Translation guide
The English word "frigid" has two main uses: describing extremely cold temperatures, and describing a person (especially a woman) who is unresponsive to sexual advances or lacks sexual desire. The temperature sense is straightforward, but the sexual sense is nuanced and often considered offensive or clinical in English. In Japanese, different words and expressions are used for each meaning, and the sexual sense requires careful handling due to cultural differences.
Describing very low temperatures, icy conditions, or a freezing atmosphere.
Literally 'extreme cold', this is the most common and natural way to describe frigid weather or temperatures. It can be used attributively or predicatively.
今日は極寒の一日だった。
Today was a frigid day.
Life in a frigid region is harsh.
Similar to 極寒の, meaning 'severe cold'. Slightly more formal or literary, often used in weather reports or written descriptions.
厳寒の候、お見舞い申し上げます。
In this frigid season, I send my regards.
Means 'freezing' or 'so cold it feels like you'll freeze'. Emphasizes the sensation of cold. Often used in casual speech.
凍えるような寒さだね。
It's frigid cold, isn't it?
A technical or formal term for 'cold, frigid', often used in scientific or geographical contexts.
この地域は寒冷な気候で知られている。
This region is known for its frigid climate.
Describing a person who lacks sexual desire or is unresponsive to sexual advances. Note: This usage can be clinical, judgmental, or offensive. In Japanese, direct equivalents are rare and often carry strong negative connotations; it's usually better to describe the situation rather than label the person.
In Japanese, directly calling someone 'frigid' (不感症) is extremely rude and clinical. It's much more natural and polite to describe the situation: e.g., 'not interested in sex', 'doesn't feel sexual desire', etc. This avoids labeling and is more culturally appropriate.
彼女は性的なことに興味がない。
She is not interested in sexual things.
彼は性的欲求がほとんどない。
He has almost no sexual desire.
Medical/clinical term for 'frigidity' or 'sexual unresponsiveness'. It is a strong, potentially offensive label if used casually. Avoid in everyday conversation.
Means 'passive about sex' or 'reluctant to have sex'. This is a softer, more descriptive way to talk about someone's attitude without using a clinical label.
彼女はセックスに消極的なんだ。
She's frigid (lit. passive about sex).
Describing a person's demeanor, a reception, or an atmosphere that is cold, stiff, or unfriendly. This is a figurative extension of the temperature sense.
The most common word for 'cold' in terms of attitude or atmosphere. Can describe a person, look, reception, etc.
彼女の態度は冷たかった。
Her attitude was frigid.
冷たい視線を感じた。
I felt a frigid gaze.
Means 'cold, indifferent, frigid' in a more formal or written style. Often used for business or official contexts.
彼の返事は冷淡だった。
His reply was frigid.
Calling someone 不感症 (frigid) is extremely rude and clinical. It's better to describe the behavior or feeling, e.g., 性的なことに興味がない (not interested in sexual things).
冷たい is the most general and common for a cold attitude. 冷淡な is more formal and implies indifference. よそよそしい specifically means distant or standoffish in a social way.
This word is highly clinical and can be very insulting if used to describe a person. Only use in strict medical contexts.
不感症の治療法について調べている。
I'm researching treatments for frigidity.
Means 'distant, standoffish, frigid' in a social sense. Implies a lack of warmth or friendliness.
彼は急によそよそしくなった。
He suddenly became frigid (distant).