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.
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).
冷戦時代は長く続いた。
The Cold War era lasted a long time.
冷戦の終結は1991年とされる。
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).
両国の間には新たな冷戦が始まった。
A new cold war has begun between the two countries.
彼らの間には冷戦状態が続いている。
A state of cold war continues between them.
A literal translation that is sometimes used for emphasis or in literary contexts, but 冷戦 is far more common.
それは冷たい戦争だった。
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.
二人の関係はぎくしゃくしている。
Their relationship is strained.