Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Cold" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "cold", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
冷たい
つめたい (tsumetai)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
冷遇
れいぐう (reigū)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "cold" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 冷たい and 冷遇.
In Japanese, 冷たい (つめたい (tsumetai)) is typically associated with "cold (to the touch)" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Describes something that is cold to the touch.
On the other hand, 冷遇 (れいぐう (reigū)) maps to "cold treatment; poor reception; neglect; chilly hospitality" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to treating someone coldly, giving a poor reception, neglecting, or showing chilly hospitality toward them. Contrast with 優遇. A literal translation of "cold" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "冷たい"
冷たい水をください。
Please give me some cold water.
Bilingual Context for "冷遇"
正当な評価をされず、会社で長年_______を受けてきた彼は、ついに転職を決意しました。
Not being evaluated fairly and having received cold treatment at the company for many years, he finally decided to change jobs.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: " ＿＿＿ 水をください。" (Meaning: "Please give me some cold water.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "冷たい" fits here because it means "cold (to the touch)" in the context of: "Please give me some cold water.". "冷遇" represents "cold treatment; poor reception; neglect; chilly hospitality".