Translation guide
Frostbite is a medical condition caused by freezing of skin and underlying tissues. In Japanese, it is most commonly expressed as しもやけ (chilblains, milder) or とうしょう (frostbite, more severe). The choice depends on severity and context.
To refer to frostbite as a medical condition, typically from exposure to extreme cold.
The standard medical term for frostbite, referring to tissue damage from freezing. Used in formal, medical, and general contexts.
He got frostbite while mountain climbing.
Treating frostbite takes time.
Commonly refers to chilblains, a milder cold injury with redness, swelling, and itching. Often used in everyday conversation for frostbite-like symptoms, but medically distinct from severe freezing.
しもやけ is often translated as 'frostbite' but is usually less severe. For true tissue freezing, use 凍傷.
I get frostbite in the winter.
My frostbite is so itchy I can't stand it.
A formal medical term for frostbite or chilblains, rarely used outside specialized contexts.
Cases of frostbite are often seen in cold regions.
To describe the itchy, red, swollen condition on extremities caused by cold but not freezing.
The everyday term for chilblains. It is the most natural choice for describing the common winter ailment.
I got frostbite on my toes.
To emphasize deep freezing of tissue, often leading to necrosis or amputation.
Explicitly indicates severe frostbite. Use when the damage is extensive.
He had his fingers amputated due to severe frostbite.
To express the action of getting frostbite.
凍傷 (とうしょう) is the medical term for true frostbite with tissue freezing. 霜焼け (しもやけ) is chilblains, a milder condition from repeated cold exposure without freezing. In casual English, both may be called 'frostbite', but in Japanese the distinction matters. Use 凍傷 for serious cases, 霜焼け for itchy red swellings.
Frostbite (凍傷) is localized freezing of body parts. Hypothermia (低体温症, ていたいおんしょう) is a dangerous drop in core body temperature. They are different conditions.
I think I have frostbite on my toes.
Casual; assumes mild symptoms.
The climber suffered severe frostbite and lost several fingers.