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'.
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.
Means 'approachable' or 'easy to befriend'. It describes a cordial manner that makes others feel comfortable.
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.
Literally 'filled with sincerity'. It emphasizes heartfelt warmth and is often used in formal or written contexts.
I was touched by your cordial hospitality.
Describing a relationship or interaction that is polite, friendly, and without conflict.
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.
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.
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.
They had a cordial conversation.
Please accept my cordial thanks.
I appreciate your cordial hospitality.
He is a very cordial person.
The meeting was conducted in a cordial atmosphere.
In summer, I like to drink cordial diluted with water.