Translation guide
The English word 'ice' refers to frozen water, but Japanese has several words depending on context, form, and usage. This guide covers the most common equivalents and expressions.
Referring to ice as a substance, especially in drinks or for cooling.
The most common word for ice in general. Used for ice cubes, blocks, and the substance itself.
Please put some ice in it.
This ice is very cold.
Loanword from English, often used in compounds or for ice cream, but can refer to ice in some contexts (e.g., アイスコーヒー). Not typically used alone for ice cubes.
I'll have an iced coffee, please.
Referring to ice cream, popsicles, or similar frozen treats.
Standard word for ice cream.
I want to eat ice cream.
Short for アイスクリーム, very common in casual speech.
Formal or technical term for frozen desserts, including popsicles and sherbet. Rare in daily conversation.
Referring to ice formed on roads, sidewalks, or other surfaces, often causing slipperiness.
Requesting or referring to ice cubes in beverages.
Describing the process of water turning into ice.
Referring to diamonds or expensive jewelry, often in hip-hop or slang contexts.
Slang term borrowed from English, used in music or fashion contexts to mean diamonds or bling.
He's got huge ice hanging around his neck.
The kanji 氷 can be read as ひ in some compounds, but it's rare. Stick to こおり for ice.
In Japan, drinks often come with ice by default. Use 氷なしで (こおりなしで) to request no ice.
I bought an ice cream at the convenience store.
We observed the manufacturing process of frozen desserts.
Specifically refers to frozen road surfaces, often used in weather reports or warnings.
Please be careful of icy roads tonight.
The car skidded on the icy road.
Whiskey on the rocks, please.