Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Freeze" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "freeze", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
凍える
こごえる (kogoeru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
凍てつく
いてつく (itetsuku)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "freeze" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 凍える and 凍てつく.
In Japanese, 凍える (こごえる (kogoeru)) is typically associated with "to freeze, to be numb with cold" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Refers specifically to the feeling of being extremely cold, often to the point of numbness or pain. Usually applies to living things.
On the other hand, 凍てつく (いてつく (itetsuku)) maps to "to freeze solid; to be frozen over (often used for natural phenomena or intense cold)" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents A stronger and more poetic term than 凍る. A literal translation of "freeze" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "凍える"
手足が凍えるほど寒い。
It's so cold my hands and feet are freezing.
Bilingual Context for "凍てつく"
凍てつくような寒さの中、彼は夜通し歩き続けた。
He kept walking all night in the bitterly cold weather.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "手足が ＿＿＿ ほど寒い。" (Meaning: "It's so cold my hands and feet are freezing.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "凍える" fits here because it means "to freeze, to be numb with cold" in the context of: "It's so cold my hands and feet are freezing.". "凍てつく" represents "to freeze solid; to be frozen over (often used for natural phenomena or intense cold)".