Translation guide
The English word "cold" covers several distinct concepts in Japanese: low temperature (of things/weather), feeling cold (personal sensation), a cold personality, and the illness (common cold). Each uses different words.
Describing something that is objectively cold to the touch or in terms of ambient temperature.
Used for cold weather or air temperature. Not used for cold objects.
今日は寒いですね。
It's cold today, isn't it?
Used for cold objects, liquids, or surfaces. Also used metaphorically for cold personalities.
この水は冷たい。
This water is cold.
Means 'chilled' or 'cooled down', often for drinks or food.
冷えたビールが飲みたい。
I want to drink a cold beer.
Formal or technical term for cold, often used in weather forecasts or scientific contexts.
寒冷前線が通過します。
A cold front will pass through.
Expressing that you feel cold, or that your body is cold.
Used when you feel cold due to the environment. Can be used for body parts feeling cold.
寒いので窓を閉めてください。
I'm cold, so please close the window.
手が寒い。
My hands are cold.
Verb meaning 'to get cold' or 'to feel cold', often used for body parts or the whole body.
Means 'to feel a chill' or 'to have the chills', often associated with illness.
寒気がするので、早く寝ます。
I feel a chill, so I'll go to bed early.
Describing someone who is unfriendly, unemotional, or distant.
Used for a cold, unfriendly attitude or personality.
Means 'indifferent' or 'cold-hearted', slightly more formal.
Loanword from English, often used for a cool, detached, or stylishly unemotional demeanor.
彼はいつもクールだ。
He is always cool (detached).
Referring to the viral infection with symptoms like runny nose and sore throat.
寒い (samui) is for ambient cold (air, weather) and personal sensation of cold. 冷たい (tsumetai) is for cold objects, liquids, and metaphorical coldness. Do not use 寒い for a cold drink or a cold personality.
この部屋は寒い。
This room is cold (air temperature).
このジュースは冷たい。
This juice is cold (to the touch/taste).
English "cold" can describe both weather and objects, but Japanese distinguishes them. Saying 寒い水 (samui mizu) is incorrect; use 冷たい水 (tsumetai mizu).
外は寒いです。
It's cold outside.
コーヒーが冷たい。
My coffee is cold.
彼女は冷たい視線を向けた。
She gave me a cold look.
風邪をひいています。
I have a cold.
My feet got cold.
彼の冷淡な返事に驚いた。
I was surprised by his cold reply.
I caught a cold yesterday.
感冒の症状が出ている。
Symptoms of a cold are appearing.