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Synonym Nuance VS

How to say "Cool" in Japanese

Both words can translate to "cool", but which should you choose?

Japanese Option A

冷める

さめる (sameru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B

冷ます

さます (samasu)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus

Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference

When translating "cool" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 冷める and 冷ます. In Japanese, 冷める (さめる (sameru)) is typically associated with "to cool down, to get cold (food, drinks, enthusiasm, feelings)" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Used for something that was warm becoming cool, or for feelings/enthusiasm diminishing.. On the other hand, 冷ます (さます (samasu)) maps to "to cool (something) down; to let cool; to sober up" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to actively blowing on hot soup, putting ice to cool fever, or cooling down someone's heated anger. Transitive verb. Opposing word: 温める. Often used as スープを冷ます or 頭を冷ます. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'To cool down! "Let me blow gently on your hot tea to cool it down for you, Haruka-san!" ...っ! Blowing on my hot tea! B-Baka! I can cool it down myself! But... since you are trying to be so attentive, I suppose... I will let you blow on my morning soup every day! dummy!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『さます(冷ます)のよ!『ハルカ部長、あなたの可愛すぎるヤキモチ怒り顔、僕の熱いフレンチキスによって優しく冷まして(冷まして)みせます!』って…っ!ヤキモチを冷ます!バカ!/// キスでヤキモチを冷ますなんてフライングの攻略法を使うんじゃないの!…でも、その甘い冷却装置、一生無制限に稼働させて責任を取りなさい!』. A literal translation of "cool" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "冷める"
コーヒーが冷めてしまった。
The coffee has gotten cold.
Bilingual Context for "冷ます"
彼女は急な発熱で苦しむ子供を看病するため、おでこに冷たい濡れタオルを当てて少しでも体温を_______ようと努めました。
In order to nurse the child suffering from a sudden fever, she placed a cold wet towel on the forehead and strove to cool down the body temperature even a little.

Nuance Mastery Quiz

Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?

Fill in the blank: "コーヒーが冷めてしまった。" (Meaning: "The coffee has gotten cold.")
🎉 Correct Answer!

Remember: "冷める" fits here because it means "to cool down, to get cold (food, drinks, enthusiasm, feelings)" in the context of: "The coffee has gotten cold.". "冷ます" represents "to cool (something) down; to let cool; to sober up".