Translation guide
The English word "cold" covers several distinct concepts in Japanese: low temperature (of things/weather), feeling cold (personal sensation), a cold personality, and the illness (common cold). Each uses different words.
Describing something that is objectively cold to the touch or in terms of ambient temperature.
Used for cold weather or air temperature. Not used for cold objects.
It's cold today, isn't it?
Used for cold objects, liquids, or surfaces. Also used metaphorically for cold personalities.
This water is cold.
Means 'chilled' or 'cooled down', often for drinks or food.
I want to drink a cold beer.
Formal or technical term for cold, often used in weather forecasts or scientific contexts.
A cold front will pass through.
Expressing that you feel cold, or that your body is cold.
Used when you feel cold due to the environment. Can be used for body parts feeling cold.
I'm cold, so please close the window.
Verb meaning 'to get cold' or 'to feel cold', often used for body parts or the whole body.
Means 'to feel a chill' or 'to have the chills', often associated with illness.
Describing someone who is unfriendly, unemotional, or distant.
Used for a cold, unfriendly attitude or personality.
Means 'indifferent' or 'cold-hearted', slightly more formal.
Loanword from English, often used for a cool, detached, or stylishly unemotional demeanor.
Referring to the viral infection with symptoms like runny nose and sore throat.
寒い (samui) is for ambient cold (air, weather) and personal sensation of cold. 冷たい (tsumetai) is for cold objects, liquids, and metaphorical coldness. Do not use 寒い for a cold drink or a cold personality.
This room is cold (air temperature).
This juice is cold (to the touch/taste).
English "cold" can describe both weather and objects, but Japanese distinguishes them. Saying 寒い水 (samui mizu) is incorrect; use 冷たい水 (tsumetai mizu).
It's cold outside.
My coffee is cold.
She gave me a cold look.
I have a cold.
My hands are cold.
足が冷えた。
My feet got cold.
I feel a chill, so I'll go to bed early.
To take a cold attitude.
彼の冷淡な返事に驚いた。
I was surprised by his cold reply.
He is always cool (detached).
昨日風邪をひきました。
I caught a cold yesterday.
感冒の症状が出ている。
Symptoms of a cold are appearing.