Translation guide
Describes something very cold, covered in ice, or metaphorically cold in manner. Japanese uses different words for literal ice-cold temperatures, frozen surfaces, and unfriendly attitudes.
Describing air, water, wind, or objects that feel extremely cold, like ice.
General word for cold to the touch or feeling cold. Works for water, wind, hands, etc.
Describing roads, sidewalks, surfaces that have a layer of ice.
Describing a person's stare, tone, reception, or demeanor that feels cold and unwelcoming.
冷たい (tsumetai) is an adjective meaning cold to the touch or feeling. 凍った (kootta) means frozen/icy as a state. For icy roads, use 凍った; for icy wind, use 冷たい.
Avoid directly translating 'icy' as 氷の (koori no) in most cases. It often sounds unnatural. Use the appropriate adjective or verb instead.
風が冷たい。
The wind is icy.
手が冷たい。
My hands are icy.
Literally 'cold as ice'. Emphasizes the icy quality.
水が氷のように冷たい。
The water is icy cold.
Verb meaning to feel freezing cold, often used for body parts or the whole body.
手が凍えそうだ。
My hands feel icy.
Literally 'ice-covered'. Often used for surfaces like ponds or roads.
氷の張った道で滑った。
I slipped on the icy road.
Same word as for temperature, but used metaphorically for a cold attitude.
彼女は冷たい視線を向けた。
She gave me an icy stare.
冷たい態度をとられた。
I was given the icy treatment.
More formal/literary word for cold-hearted or indifferent.
冷淡な返事だった。
It was an icy reply.
Literary metaphor 'like ice' for a very cold personality or atmosphere.
氷のような沈黙が流れた。
An icy silence filled the room.