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.
I put drinks in the cooler.
Also common, especially for smaller coolers or ice chests. Slightly more old-fashioned feel.
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).
Please fill the cooler with ice.
A soft insulated bag used for keeping groceries or lunch cold during transport.
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.
The commercial cooler broke down.
Specifically a cold storage room or walk-in cooler. Used in restaurants and food industry.
Please store the ingredients in the cooler.
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.
Can I turn on the cooler?
Short for air conditioner, includes both cooling and heating functions. More general.
I cool the room with the air conditioner.
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.