Translation guide
The English word "cool" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common ones: low temperature, stylish/impressive, calm/composed, and expressing approval. Each meaning has its own set of natural Japanese expressions.
Describing a temperature that is refreshingly or comfortably low, not hot.
The most common word for pleasantly cool weather, a cool breeze, or a cool room. Not used for cold things like drinks or ice.
今日は涼しいですね。
It's cool today, isn't it?
涼しい風が入ってくる。
A cool breeze is coming in.
Used for things that are cold to the touch, like drinks, water, or someone's hands. Can also describe a cold personality.
Not used for weather or air temperature; use 涼しい or 寒い instead.
冷たい水をください。
Please give me some cold water.
An onomatopoeic adverb describing a pleasantly cool sensation, often used for skin, fabrics, or food.
このシーツはひんやりして気持ちいい。
These sheets feel cool and nice.
Describing someone or something that looks attractive, modern, or impressive in a trendy way.
The most versatile word for 'cool' in the sense of stylish, good-looking, or impressive. Used for people, clothes, cars, actions, etc.
そのジャケット、かっこいいね。
That jacket is cool.
彼はギターが上手でかっこいい。
He's cool because he plays guitar well.
A loanword from English, often used for a stylish, sophisticated, or aloof kind of cool. Can also mean 'cool' as in calm.
Slang for 'cool', 'stylish', or 'good-looking'. Often used by younger people.
あのバンド、イケてるよね。
That band is cool, right?
Means 'fashionable' or 'stylish', often used for clothing, interiors, or people with good taste.
Describing a person who stays calm under pressure, doesn't show excitement, or is emotionally detached.
Means 'calm', 'composed', 'cool-headed'. Used for someone who doesn't panic or get emotional.
彼はいつも冷静だ。
He is always cool-headed.
冷静に対処してください。
Please deal with it calmly.
As above, can also mean emotionally cool, aloof, or unflappable.
彼はクールな性格だ。
He has a cool personality.
Means 'calm', 'composed', 'settled'. Describes a state of being relaxed and in control.
彼女はいつも落ち着いている。
She is always cool and collected.
Saying that something is good, acceptable, or impressive, similar to 'great' or 'awesome'.
The most common casual way to say 'cool' or 'nice' in response to something. Can be used for almost anything.
A: 明日映画に行かない？ B: いいね！
A: Want to go to a movie tomorrow? B: Cool!
Means 'amazing' or 'great'. Often used to express admiration, similar to 'cool!'.
Slang that can mean 'cool', 'awesome', or 'terrible' depending on context. Used by younger speakers.
涼しい (suzushii) is for pleasantly cool air or weather. 冷たい (tsumetai) is for cold objects or liquids. 寒い (samui) is for uncomfortably cold weather. Don't use 涼しい for cold drinks or 冷たい for weather.
エアコンで部屋が涼しくなった。
The room became cool thanks to the air conditioner.
このビールは冷たい。
This beer is cold.
冬は寒い。
Winter is cold.
涼しい is only for temperature. To say a person is cool (stylish), use かっこいい or クール. To say a person is cool (calm), use 冷静 or 落ち着いている.
His fashion is always cool.
This is a cool café.
Cool! How did you do that?
Isn't this song cool?