底そこ冷びえ

noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', intransitive verb

penetrating cold; chill that seeps in from the ground

Describes a deep, creeping cold that feels like it comes up from the floor or ground, typical of Japanese winters in unheated spaces. Often used as a noun or with する to describe the state of being cold to the core.

• 京きょう都との冬ふゆは底そこ冷びえが厳きびしい。

  In Kyoto, the penetrating cold in winter is severe.

• 床ゆかに座すわっていると、底そこ冷びえして足あしが冷つめたくなる。

  When sitting on the floor, the chill seeps up and my feet get cold.