Translation guide
The English phrase 'cooling off' can refer to a physical decrease in temperature, a calming of emotions, or a reduction in intensity. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each of these meanings.
To become cooler in temperature, often after being hot.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to cool down' (for hot things like food, drinks, or baths).
The soup has cooled off.
Transitive verb meaning 'to cool something down' (e.g., a drink, a room).
Please cool off the beer.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to cool oneself off' (e.g., in the shade, by a fan). Often used for people seeking relief from heat.
Let's cool off in the shade of the tree.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to get cold' or 'to become chilly', often for weather or body parts.
It cools off at night, so take a jacket.
To become less angry, excited, or passionate.
Literally 'cool one's head', meaning to calm down and think rationally.
You should cool off a bit.
General verb for 'to calm down' or 'to settle down' emotionally.
Literally 'cool one's feelings', used when romantic or enthusiastic feelings fade.
Literally 'the heat cools', used for passion or enthusiasm waning.
For a situation, market, or relationship to become less intense or active.
冷める (sameru) is used for things that were hot and return to room temperature (e.g., food, bath). 冷える (hieru) is used for things becoming cold or chilly, often below room temperature (e.g., weather, body).
While 'cool off' can be translated as 冷める for feelings, using it for anger may sound odd. For anger, use 頭を冷やす or 落ち着く instead of just 冷める.
彼が落ち着くまで待ちましょう。
Let's wait until he cools off.
My feelings for her have cooled off.
His passion for soccer cooled off.
市場が落ち着くまで待ちます。
We'll wait until the market cools off.
The cryptocurrency boom has cooled off.