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.
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.
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.
It's frigid cold, isn't it?
A technical or formal term for 'cold, frigid', often used in scientific or geographical contexts.
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.
She is not interested in sexual things.
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.
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.
Her attitude was frigid.
Means 'cold, indifferent, frigid' in a more formal or written style. Often used for business or official contexts.
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.
I'm researching treatments for frigidity.
She's frigid (lit. passive about sex).
I felt a frigid gaze.
Means 'distant, standoffish, frigid' in a social sense. Implies a lack of warmth or friendliness.
He suddenly became frigid (distant).