Translation guide
In Japanese, 'air conditioning' is commonly expressed with the loanword エアコン (eakon), which covers both cooling and heating functions. More specific terms exist for cooling only (冷房) and heating only (暖房). The choice depends on the function being emphasized.
エアコンをつけてください。
Turn on the air conditioning.
冷房が強すぎます。
The air conditioning is too cold.
Referring to the system or device that controls indoor temperature and humidity, typically including both cooling and heating.
The most common and natural term for an air conditioning unit or system in everyday conversation. It implies both cooling and heating functions.
エアコンをつけてください。
Please turn on the air conditioning.
この部屋にはエアコンがありません。
This room doesn't have air conditioning.
A more formal or technical term for air conditioning, often used in written contexts or when referring to the system as a whole (e.g., in buildings).
空調設備の点検を行います。
We will inspect the air conditioning equipment.
Specifically referring to the cooling function of an air conditioner, or a device that only cools.
The standard term for cooling or air cooling. Use this when you want to emphasize the cooling function, or when the device only cools.
冷房を強くしてください。
Please turn up the cooling.
冷房が効きすぎている。
The air conditioning is too cold.
A common casual term for an air conditioner, often implying cooling only. It can sound slightly dated or informal compared to エアコン.
Specifically referring to the heating function of an air conditioner, or a device that only heats.
The standard term for heating. Use this when emphasizing the heating function.
暖房を入れてください。
Please turn on the heat.
暖房が故障しました。
The heating broke down.
Referring to the built-in climate control system, often in a car or building.
Also used for car and building systems.
車のエアコンが壊れた。
The car's air conditioning broke.
Technical term for HVAC or climate control system.
ビルの空調システムを更新する。
We will upgrade the building's air conditioning system.
エアコン is the most common and neutral term for a modern air conditioner that both cools and heats. クーラー is a casual, slightly older term often implying cooling only. 冷房 specifically means 'cooling' and is used when you want to be precise about the function.
エアコンで暖房も冷房もできます。
You can both heat and cool with an air conditioner.
The literal translation 'air conditioning' as 空気調節 (kuuki chousetsu) is not used in Japanese. Stick to エアコン, 冷房, or 暖房.
クーラーをつけてもいい？
Can I turn on the AC?