Translation guide
Describes very low temperatures, often with intensity or severity. In Japanese, this is expressed through specific nouns, adjectives, and set phrases that convey the degree and impact of cold.
To describe extremely low temperatures or harsh cold conditions, often in weather reports or daily conversation.
A common noun meaning 'extreme cold' or 'bitter cold'. Used in weather forecasts and everyday speech.
It will be extremely cold tomorrow.
Life in an extremely cold region is tough.
A more formal or literary term for 'severe cold'. Often used in written contexts.
In this season of severe cold, I send my regards.
A common phrase meaning 'severe cold'. More descriptive and widely used in conversation.
The severe cold has been continuing this winter.
A less common term for 'intense cold', similar to 極寒 but more literary.
Explore a land of intense cold.
To express that one feels extremely cold, often due to weather or environment.
Literally 'cold enough to freeze'. A very common and natural way to say 'freezing cold'.
It's freezing cold outside.
Idiomatic phrase meaning 'piercing cold' or 'biting cold', as if cutting the body.
A straightforward way to say 'the cold is severe'.
The cold is severe this morning, isn't it?
To refer to extreme cold as a characteristic of a place or climate, often in scientific or descriptive contexts.
All three mean 'extreme cold', but 極寒 (gokkan) is the most common and neutral. 厳寒 (genkan) is more formal and often used in written greetings. 酷寒 (kokkan) is literary and less frequent.
Direct translations like '極端な寒さ' (kyokutan na samusa) are understandable but less natural than the set phrases above. Stick to common collocations.
The extreme cold caused the pipes to freeze.
I can't stand this extreme cold.
I walked to the station in the biting cold.