Translation guide
The process of keeping things cold to preserve them, typically using a refrigerator or cooling system. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through nouns, verbs, and compound terms depending on whether you're talking about the technology, the act of refrigerating, or the state of being refrigerated.
Referring to the cooling process or equipment used in industry, science, or appliances.
Literally 'freezing', but commonly used for refrigeration in contexts like 'refrigeration technology' or 'frozen storage'. Often appears in compounds.
冷凍技術は食品保存に欠かせない。
Refrigeration technology is essential for food preservation.
Specifically 'cold storage' or 'refrigeration' above freezing. Used for refrigerators and preserving food without freezing.
このトラックは冷蔵輸送用です。
This truck is for refrigerated transport.
Means 'cooling' in a general sense, often used in engineering or scientific contexts. Can refer to refrigeration as a process of removing heat.
冷却システムの設計を見直す必要がある。
We need to review the design of the cooling system.
Describing the action of putting something in the refrigerator or keeping it cold.
The verb 'to refrigerate' (above freezing). Use this for storing food in the fridge.
残り物は冷蔵してください。
Please refrigerate the leftovers.
The verb 'to freeze'. Use this when you want to freeze something solid, not just keep it cold.
Only use 冷凍する when you mean freezing, not just refrigeration.
肉は使うまで冷凍しておきます。
I'll freeze the meat until I use it.
General verb 'to cool'. Can be used for refrigerating drinks or food, but less specific than 冷蔵する.
Describing that something is kept cold, often as a requirement or condition.
Common label on food products meaning 'keep refrigerated' or 'requires refrigeration'.
このケーキは要冷蔵です。
This cake requires refrigeration.
Refrigerated storage. Often used in instructions or descriptions.
開封後は冷蔵保存してください。
Refrigerate after opening.
冷凍 (れいとう) means freezing (below 0°C), while 冷蔵 (れいぞう) means refrigeration above freezing. Use 冷凍 for freezers and frozen food, and 冷蔵 for refrigerators and chilled items.
In casual conversation, Japanese speakers often use 冷蔵庫に入れる (put in the fridge) or 冷凍庫に入れる (put in the freezer) instead of the more technical terms 冷蔵する or 冷凍する.
Chill the beer.