Translation guide
A container for keeping things cool, typically with ice or insulation.
A portable insulated box or bag used to keep food and drinks cold, often with ice packs or ice.
The most common and natural word for a portable cooler. Used for picnics, camping, and outdoor activities.
クーラーボックスに飲み物を入れました。
I put drinks in the cooler.
Also common, especially for smaller coolers or ice chests. Slightly more old-fashioned feel.
アイスボックスを持って海に行きます。
I'll take the cooler to the beach.
Short for クーラーボックス, but can be confused with air conditioner. Use only when context is clear.
Usually means air conditioner. Only use for a cooler if the context is very clear (e.g., camping).
クーラーに氷を詰めてください。
Please fill the cooler with ice.
A soft insulated bag used for keeping groceries or lunch cold during transport.
Standard term for an insulated shopping or lunch bag. Often used for supermarket cold items.
保冷バッグを持って買い物に行きます。
I go shopping with a cooler bag.
Specifically a lunch bag, often insulated. Used for packed lunches.
ランチバッグにお弁当を入れます。
I put my lunch in the cooler bag.
A large refrigerated room or cabinet for commercial or industrial use.
General word for refrigerator, but can refer to a walk-in cooler in commercial contexts when specified.
業務用の冷蔵庫が故障しました。
The commercial cooler broke down.
Specifically a cold storage room or walk-in cooler. Used in restaurants and food industry.
A machine that cools the air in a room or vehicle. Note: This is a different meaning from the container sense.
Standard word for air conditioner (cooling only). Often used for car air conditioning as well.
クーラーをつけてもいいですか。
Can I turn on the cooler?
Short for air conditioner, includes both cooling and heating functions. More general.
In Japanese, クーラー almost always means air conditioner. If you want a picnic cooler, say クーラーボックス or アイスボックス to avoid confusion.
食材は冷蔵室に保管してください。
Please store the ingredients in the cooler.
エアコンで部屋を冷やします。
I cool the room with the air conditioner.