Translation guide
The term 'cold war' most commonly refers to the historical Cold War between the US and the Soviet Union. In Japanese, it is usually expressed with the direct translation 冷戦 (reisen). For metaphorical uses (e.g., a tense rivalry without open conflict), the same word is used, but context is key.
cold war
Use for both the historical Cold War and metaphorical cold wars.
Referring to the geopolitical tension between the Western Bloc and the Eastern Bloc after WWII.
The standard term for the Cold War. Often used with 時代 (jidai, era) or 構造 (kōzō, structure).
The Cold War era lasted a long time.
The end of the Cold War is considered to be 1991.
Describing a metaphorical cold war between countries, organizations, or individuals.
Also used metaphorically for any prolonged hostile stalemate. Can be modified with adjectives like 新たな (aratana, new) or 静かな (shizukana, quiet).
A new cold war has begun between the two countries.
A literal translation that is sometimes used for emphasis or in literary contexts, but 冷戦 is far more common.
It was a cold war.
While 冷戦 can describe a tense relationship between people, it may sound overly dramatic. In casual conversation, phrases like ぎくしゃくしている (gikushaku shite iru, being awkward/strained) or 険悪な雰囲気 (ken'aku na fun'iki, hostile atmosphere) are more natural.
Their relationship is strained.
彼らの間には冷戦状態が続いている。
A state of cold war continues between them.