Signification
Statement indicating low temperature of the weather.
Contexte culturel
The 'Kotatsu' is a low wooden table frame covered by a heavy blanket, upon which a table top sits. Underneath is a heat source. It is the ultimate refuge when it is 'samui'. TV shows often use visual effects like wind blowing or ice forming on screen when a celebrity says something 'samui' (unfunny). Japanese people often start letters or emails with a reference to the cold, such as 'Kankan no kō' (the season of cold). In Japan's northernmost prefecture, 'samui' is a way of life. They have many specific words for different types of cold and snow.
The 'Samu!' Reaction
If you walk out of a warm building into the cold, just shout 'Samu!' It's what every Japanese person does.
Don't touch!
Remember, if you touch a cold window, say 'tsumetai'. If the air coming through the window is cold, say 'samui'.
Signification
Statement indicating low temperature of the weather.
The 'Samu!' Reaction
If you walk out of a warm building into the cold, just shout 'Samu!' It's what every Japanese person does.
Don't touch!
Remember, if you touch a cold window, say 'tsumetai'. If the air coming through the window is cold, say 'samui'.
Social Temperature
Calling a joke 'samui' is a great way to bond with Japanese friends, but don't use it with your boss!
Weather Small Talk
Starting a conversation with '{寒い|さむい}ですね' is the safest way to talk to a stranger at a bus stop.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct word to describe a cold glass of water.
この{水|みず}はとても（ ）です。
Water is an object you touch, so you must use 'tsumetai'. 'Samui' is only for air/weather.
Complete the sentence in the past tense.
{昨日|きのう}はとても（ ）です。
The past tense of the i-adjective 'samui' is 'samukatta'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Your friend tells a very bad joke that isn't funny at all.
In Japanese slang, 'samui' is used to describe unfunny or lame jokes.
Complete the dialogue politely.
A: {外|そと}はどうですか？ B: （ ）ですよ。コートを{着|き}てください。
In a neutral/polite context, 'samui desu' is the standard form.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Samui vs Tsumetai
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesこの{水|みず}はとても（ ）です。
Water is an object you touch, so you must use 'tsumetai'. 'Samui' is only for air/weather.
{昨日|きのう}はとても（ ）です。
The past tense of the i-adjective 'samui' is 'samukatta'.
Your friend tells a very bad joke that isn't funny at all.
In Japanese slang, 'samui' is used to describe unfunny or lame jokes.
A: {外|そと}はどうですか？ B: （ ）ですよ。コートを{着|き}てください。
In a neutral/polite context, 'samui desu' is the standard form.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsNo, use 'tsumetai'. 'Samui' is only for air or weather.
Yes, if you add 'desu'. On its own, it's casual.
It means the joke is lame, unfunny, or cringey.
Say 'Kaze o hiita' ({風邪|かぜ}を{引|ひ}いた).
'Samui' is general cold. 'Hadazamui' is 'chilly' (literally cold on the skin).
It's better to just say 'Samui desu'. Including 'Watashi wa' sounds a bit unnatural.
In very formal letters, you use 'samusa' (noun) or seasonal greetings like 'Kankan'.
It's a rough, masculine, or regional way of saying 'samui'.
Only if you mean they are telling bad jokes. If they are 'cold-hearted', use 'tsumetai'.
It's a specific type of cold that feels like it's coming from the floor/ground.
Change it to 'samukatta'.
You can say 'Yuki de samui' (It's cold because of the snow).
Expressions liées
{冷|つめ}たい
similarCold to the touch
{涼|すず}しい
similarCool/Refreshing
{暑|あつ}い
contrastHot
{肌寒|はだざむ}い
specialized formChilly
{底冷|そこび}え
specialized formChilled to the bone
{寒気|さむけ}
builds onChills (from fever)
