冴さえ返かえる

godan verb (-ru), intransitive verb

become very clear; sharpen

Describes a sharp, vivid clarity, often of the mind, senses, or atmosphere. Literary and somewhat poetic.

• 冬ふゆの夜よ空ぞらに星ほしが冴さえ返かえる。

  The stars shine with piercing clarity in the winter night sky.

• 寒さむさで頭あたまが冴さえ返かえった。

  The cold made my mind sharp and clear.

godan verb (-ru), intransitive verb

become keenly cold; cold and clear

Refers to a sharp, penetrating coldness, often of weather or air. Also used for a cold, clear atmosphere.

• 夜よが更ふけるにつれて空くう気きが冴さえ返かえってきた。

  As the night deepened, the air turned keenly cold.

• 冴さえ返かえるような寒さむさの朝あさだった。

  It was a morning of piercing, clear cold.