Translation guide
Describes very low temperatures, often with intensity or severity. In Japanese, this is expressed through specific nouns, adjectives, and set phrases that convey the degree and impact of cold.
To describe extremely low temperatures or harsh cold conditions, often in weather reports or daily conversation.
A common noun meaning 'extreme cold' or 'bitter cold'. Used in weather forecasts and everyday speech.
明日は極寒になるでしょう。
It will be extremely cold tomorrow.
極寒の地での生活は大変だ。
Life in an extremely cold region is tough.
A more formal or literary term for 'severe cold'. Often used in written contexts.
厳寒の候、お見舞い申し上げます。
In this season of severe cold, I send my regards.
A common phrase meaning 'severe cold'. More descriptive and widely used in conversation.
今年の冬は厳しい寒さが続いている。
The severe cold has been continuing this winter.
A less common term for 'intense cold', similar to 極寒 but more literary.
酷寒の地を探検する。
Explore a land of intense cold.
To express that one feels extremely cold, often due to weather or environment.
Literally 'cold enough to freeze'. A very common and natural way to say 'freezing cold'.
外は凍えるほど寒い。
It's freezing cold outside.
Idiomatic phrase meaning 'piercing cold' or 'biting cold', as if cutting the body.
身を切るような寒さの中、駅まで歩いた。
I walked to the station in the biting cold.
A straightforward way to say 'the cold is severe'.
今朝は寒さが厳しいね。
The cold is severe this morning, isn't it?
To refer to extreme cold as a characteristic of a place or climate, often in scientific or descriptive contexts.
Means 'extremely low temperature', used in scientific or technical contexts.
極低温の実験を行う。
Conduct experiments at extremely low temperatures.
Emphasizes the intensity, like 'fierce cold' or 'violent cold'.
シベリアでは猛烈な寒さが続く。
Fierce cold continues in Siberia.
All three mean 'extreme cold', but 極寒 (gokkan) is the most common and neutral. 厳寒 (genkan) is more formal and often used in written greetings. 酷寒 (kokkan) is literary and less frequent.
Direct translations like '極端な寒さ' (kyokutan na samusa) are understandable but less natural than the set phrases above. Stick to common collocations.
極寒のためパイプが凍った。
The extreme cold caused the pipes to freeze.
この凍えるような寒さには耐えられない。
I can't stand this extreme cold.