Translation guide
Describes when a surface, body of water, or object becomes covered or blocked with ice due to cold temperatures.
To say that a lake, pond, river, road, or other surface has frozen over, forming a layer of ice on top.
General verb for 'to freeze'. Can be used for water, surfaces, or objects. When used with a subject like 'lake' or 'pond', it implies freezing over.
池が凍った。
The pond froze over.
湖がすっかり凍っている。
The lake is completely frozen over.
Emphasizes the state of being frozen solid or stuck. Often used for surfaces that have become icy and slippery.
道路が凍りついている。
The road is frozen over.
川が凍りついて歩ける。
The river froze over and you can walk on it.
Literally 'freeze all over'. Used to describe a wide area completely frozen over.
田んぼが一面に凍った。
The rice fields froze over completely.
To describe when a window, windshield, or glass surface becomes coated with ice or frost, often from condensation freezing.
Works for glass surfaces as well. Often used with 'window' or 'windshield'.
車のフロントガラスが凍った。
The car windshield froze over.
窓が凍って外が見えない。
The window froze over and I can't see outside.
Emphasizes a thick layer of ice firmly stuck to the glass.
To say that a pipe, lock, or mechanical part has frozen over, meaning ice has formed inside and blocked it.
Formal/slightly technical term for 'to freeze' or 'to become frozen'. Commonly used for pipes, roads, and accounts (metaphorically).
水道管が凍結した。
The water pipe froze over.
寒さで鍵穴が凍結した。
The keyhole froze over due to the cold.
Can be used in casual speech for pipes, but 凍結する is more precise for blockages.
凍る is the most common and versatile. 凍結する is more formal and often used for pipes, roads, or technical contexts. 凍りつく emphasizes being frozen solid or stuck, often with a nuance of immobility.
窓ガラスが凍りついて開かない。
The window glass is frozen over and won't open.
The pipe froze over and no water comes out.