Translation guide
The English word 'cordial' can describe a warm and friendly attitude, a sweet drink, or a heartfelt feeling. This guide focuses on the most common meaning for learners: expressing warmth and friendliness in social interactions.
Describing a person, welcome, relationship, or atmosphere that is warm, friendly, and sincere.
Literally 'from the heart', this is a common and natural way to express sincere, cordial feelings. It modifies nouns like 'welcome' or 'thanks'.
心からの歓迎を受けた。
We received a cordial welcome.
I would like to express my cordial thanks.
Means 'warm' and is very commonly used for a warm, cordial atmosphere, personality, or reception. It implies kindness and friendliness.
温かいもてなしに感謝します。
I appreciate your cordial hospitality.
彼はとても温かい人だ。
He is a very cordial person.
Means 'approachable' or 'easy to befriend'. It describes a cordial manner that makes others feel comfortable.
彼女は親しみやすい笑顔で迎えてくれた。
She greeted me with a cordial smile.
Means 'friendly'. It can be used for cordial relations between people or groups, though it may sound slightly more formal.
会議は友好的な雰囲気で行われた。
The meeting was conducted in a cordial atmosphere.
Literally 'filled with sincerity'. It emphasizes heartfelt warmth and is often used in formal or written contexts.
真心のこもったおもてなしに感動しました。
I was touched by your cordial hospitality.
Describing a relationship or interaction that is polite, friendly, and without conflict.
The standard phrase for 'cordial relations', especially in diplomatic or business contexts.
両国は友好的な関係を築いている。
The two countries have established cordial relations.
Describes a cordial, harmonious atmosphere. Often used for meetings or gatherings.
パーティーは和やかな雰囲気だった。
The party had a cordial atmosphere.
Referring to a sweet, non-alcoholic concentrated drink, often diluted with water.
The loanword from English, commonly used for Western-style cordials. It is understood by many Japanese speakers, especially in contexts like cafes or imported goods.
エルダーフラワーコーディアルをソーダで割って飲んだ。
I drank elderflower cordial mixed with soda.
A descriptive term meaning 'syrup for dilution'. It is more generic and can be used for any concentrated drink syrup, including Japanese fruit syrups.
夏は希釈用シロップを水で割って飲むのが好きだ。
In summer, I like to drink cordial diluted with water.
The English word 'cordial' originally relates to the heart, but in modern Japanese, '心臓の' (shinzō no) means 'cardiac' and is never used for 'cordial'. Use the options above instead.
温かい (atatakai) emphasizes emotional warmth and is more personal, while 友好的な (yūkōteki na) is more about friendly relations and can be used in formal or diplomatic contexts.
彼らは和やかに会話を楽しんだ。
They had a cordial conversation.
心からの感謝をお受け取りください。
Please accept my cordial thanks.