Japanese dictionary
How to say "cold" in Japanese
寒いさむい · samui
Japanese uses different words for "cold." Cold weather is 寒い (samui). Something cold to the touch, like a drink, is 冷たい (tsumetai). A cold you catch is 風邪 (kaze).
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Ways to say "cold" in Japanese
| Japanese | When to use it |
|---|---|
| 寒いさむい · samui | Cold (weather, air). |
| 冷たいつめたい · tsumetai | Cold (to the touch; drinks, water). |
| 風邪かぜ · kaze | A cold (illness). |
How to use it
"It's cold today" is 今日は寒いです. "A cold drink" is 冷たい飲み物.
To catch a cold is 風邪をひく (kaze o hiku).
Example sentences
- 今日はとても寒いです。Kyō wa totemo samui desu.It's very cold today.
- 冷たい水をください。Tsumetai mizu o kudasai.Cold water, please.
- 風邪をひいたので、休みます。Kaze o hiita node, yasumimasu.I caught a cold, so I'm taking the day off.
- この部屋は少し寒いですね。Kono heya wa sukoshi samui desu ne.This room is a little cold, isn't it?
- 冷たいビールが飲みたいです。Tsumetai bīru ga nomitai desu.I want a cold beer.
- 風邪に気をつけてください。Kaze ni ki o tsukete kudasai.Take care not to catch a cold.
Questions
What is the difference between 寒い and 冷たい?
寒い (samui) is about temperature you feel in the air, like weather or a room. 冷たい (tsumetai) is about something cold to touch or drink, like water or hands.
How do you say "I have a cold" in Japanese?
Say 風邪をひいています (kaze o hiite imasu).
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