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.
彼は登山中に凍傷になった。
He got frostbite while mountain climbing.
凍傷の治療には時間がかかる。
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.
冬になると霜焼けができる。
I get frostbite in the winter.
霜焼けがかゆくてたまらない。
My frostbite is so itchy I can't stand it.
A formal medical term for frostbite or chilblains, rarely used outside specialized contexts.
凍瘡の症例は寒冷地で多く見られる。
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.
足の指に霜焼けができた。
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.
重度の凍傷で指を切断した。
He had his fingers amputated due to severe frostbite.
To express the action of getting frostbite.
The most common way to say 'get frostbite'.
耳が凍傷になった。
My ears got frostbite.
Used for getting chilblains.
手が霜焼けになった。
My hands got 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.
その登山者は重度の凍傷で指を数本失った。
The climber suffered severe frostbite and lost several fingers.