To freeze means to turn into ice due to cold temperatures.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Water turns into ice at low temperatures.
- Used for physical state changes and extreme cold.
- Commonly used to describe winter weather conditions.
Overview
- 1概要：「凍る」は、水などの液体が0度以下の低温により固体（氷）に変化する現象を表す自動詞です。物理的な状態変化だけでなく、極度の寒さで感覚が麻痺したり、機械などが動かなくなったりする比喩的な表現としても用いられます。
Examples
冬の朝、池が凍っている。
everydayThe pond is frozen on a winter morning.
気温が下がり、水道管が凍る恐れがあります。
formalTemperatures are dropping, and there is a risk of water pipes freezing.
寒すぎて手足が凍りそうだ。
informalIt is so cold my hands and feet feel like they are freezing.
極地では海水も凍る。
academicEven seawater freezes in polar regions.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
池が凍る
The pond freezes
水道管が凍る
Water pipes freeze
凍りつくような寒さ
Freezing cold
Often Confused With
Kogoeru refers to the sensation of being extremely cold, usually applied to living beings feeling numb.
Katamaru means to harden or solidify, but it doesn't necessarily imply temperature-based freezing into ice.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The verb 'kōru' is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal settings. It is an intransitive verb, so it describes the state of the subject changing. When describing intentional freezing, use the transitive verb 'kōraseru' or the noun 'reitō'.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes use 'kōru' for any kind of hardening, but it must involve ice. Also, do not confuse it with 'kogoeru', which is for human feelings of cold. Always ensure the subject is something that can actually turn into ice.
Tips
Focus on the temperature change
Remember that 'kōru' requires a drop in temperature. It is specifically about liquid turning into solid ice.
Don't confuse with freezing food
Use 'reitō' when you put something in the freezer intentionally. 'Kōru' usually implies a natural or accidental process.
Winter in Japan
In Japan, 'kōru' is often used in weather reports during winter. It signifies the arrival of severe cold.
Word Origin
The word stems from the concept of ice (koori). It captures the natural transformation of water into solid ice under freezing conditions.
Cultural Context
In Japan, pipes freezing in winter is a common household concern. People often hear 'suidō ga kōru' (pipes freeze) in weather forecasts, making it a culturally relevant term.
Memory Tip
Think of an ice cube (koori) and imagine it becoming (ru) ice. 'Koo-ru' sounds like the start of 'koori'.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「凍る」は水などが氷になる物理現象を指します。「凍える」は主に人間や動物が寒さで体が震えたり、感覚がなくなる状態を指す言葉です。
「凍った」です。例として「昨夜、池が凍った」のように使います。
はい、「冷凍する」という言葉がありますが、自然に凍る場合は「凍る」を使います。例えば「冷蔵庫でジュースが凍ってしまった」のように使います。
「溶ける（氷が水に戻る）」が対義語として一般的です。
Test Yourself
冬の朝、外のバケツの水が___。
温度が下がって氷になったので、凍ったが適切です。
どれが正しいですか？
液体である水が氷に変化するので、これが最も自然です。
（池が / 凍って / 今朝 / いた）
時を表す言葉を文頭に置くと自然です。
Score: /3
Summary
To freeze means to turn into ice due to cold temperatures.
- Water turns into ice at low temperatures.
- Used for physical state changes and extreme cold.
- Commonly used to describe winter weather conditions.
Focus on the temperature change
Remember that 'kōru' requires a drop in temperature. It is specifically about liquid turning into solid ice.
Don't confuse with freezing food
Use 'reitō' when you put something in the freezer intentionally. 'Kōru' usually implies a natural or accidental process.
Winter in Japan
In Japan, 'kōru' is often used in weather reports during winter. It signifies the arrival of severe cold.
Examples
4 of 4冬の朝、池が凍っている。
The pond is frozen on a winter morning.
気温が下がり、水道管が凍る恐れがあります。
Temperatures are dropping, and there is a risk of water pipes freezing.
寒すぎて手足が凍りそうだ。
It is so cold my hands and feet feel like they are freezing.
極地では海水も凍る。
Even seawater freezes in polar regions.
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