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).
To become less angry, excited, or passionate.
For a situation, market, or relationship to become less intense or active.
Formal term for a situation or conflict settling down.
抗議活動が沈静化した。
The protests have cooled off.
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.
スープが冷めてしまった。
The soup has cooled off.
Transitive verb meaning 'to cool something down' (e.g., a drink, a room).
ビールを冷やしてください。
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.
木陰で涼みましょう。
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.
夜は冷えるから、上着を持って行って。
It cools off at night, so take a jacket.
Literally 'cool one's head', meaning to calm down and think rationally.
ちょっと頭を冷やしたほうがいいよ。
You should cool off a bit.
General verb for 'to calm down' or 'to settle down' emotionally.
彼が落ち着くまで待ちましょう。
Let's wait until he cools off.
Literally 'cool one's feelings', used when romantic or enthusiastic feelings fade.
彼女への気持ちが冷めてしまった。
My feelings for her have cooled off.
Literally 'the heat cools', used for passion or enthusiasm waning.
彼のサッカーへの熱が冷めた。
His passion for soccer cooled off.
Also used for situations becoming stable or less hectic.
市場が落ち着くまで待ちます。
We'll wait until the market cools off.
Can be used metaphorically for a boom or trend losing momentum.
仮想通貨ブームの熱が冷めた。
The cryptocurrency boom has cooled off.