When you're learning Japanese at the B1 level, you're moving beyond basic survival phrases and starting to express more nuanced ideas. This includes talking about how you feel, like when you're really cold. The verb 凍える (kogoeru) is perfect for this. It means to freeze or to be numb with cold, and it's commonly used to describe both people and parts of the body when they're extremely cold. You'll often hear it in winter to describe the biting cold or when someone's hands or feet are freezing.
When you're talking about feeling extremely cold, especially to the point of being numb or stiff, the verb 「凍える」(kogoeu) is a great choice. It specifically refers to the sensation of freezing due to cold. You might use it to describe yourself freezing, or even parts of your body. Think of it as a strong way to say you're very, very cold.
凍える in 30 Seconds
- Verb meaning 'to freeze' or 'to be numb with cold'.
- Used to describe extreme cold affecting a person or body part.
- Commonly encountered in daily conversations about weather or discomfort.
§ What 凍える (kogoeru) Means
The Japanese verb 凍える (kogoeru) means 'to freeze' or 'to be numb with cold.' It's used when you, or a part of your body, feels extremely cold, often to the point of discomfort or numbness. Think of that biting cold that makes your fingers and toes ache, or the kind of chill that makes you shiver uncontrollably. This isn't just about things getting cold; it's about the *feeling* of being cold, specifically for living things, primarily people and sometimes animals.
- Japanese Word
- 凍える (kogoeru)
- Meaning
- To freeze, to be numb with cold
- CEFR Level
- B1
§ When to Use 凍える
You'll hear and use 凍える often in winter or when discussing cold weather experiences. It's a very common and natural way to express being truly cold. Here are a few situations where it's appropriate:
- When your body is very cold: "手足が凍える" (Teashi ga kogoeru - My hands and feet are freezing).
- When the weather is freezing: "凍えるような寒さ" (Kogoeru yō na samusa - Freezing cold weather).
- When you are shivering from cold: Although 凍える itself doesn't mean to shiver, the feeling of being so cold that you shiver is often described with this word.
Let's look at some examples to help you understand its usage better:
外は寒くて、体が凍えるようだった。
- Hint
- Outside was cold, and my body felt like it was freezing.
風が強くて、耳が凍えそうになった。
- Hint
- The wind was strong, and my ears almost froze (became numb with cold).
You can also use it to describe a general feeling of coldness in a place:
暖房がない部屋は、とても凍えるほど寒い。
- Hint
- A room without heating is so cold it makes you freeze.
Consider how you might say, "I'm so cold my hands are freezing" in English. The 'freezing' part, referring to the feeling of numbness and extreme cold, is precisely what 凍える captures in Japanese. It’s a verb that vividly communicates a strong physical sensation. Mastering its use will make your descriptions of cold weather much more natural and impactful in Japanese.
§ What 凍える Means
凍える (kogoeru) is a verb that means 'to freeze' or 'to be numb with cold.' It's often used when talking about extreme cold that makes you feel stiff or unable to move your body parts easily. You'll hear this word quite a bit, especially during the colder months in Japan. It's a B1 level word, so it's good to get familiar with it.
- Japanese Word
- 凍える (こごえる)
- Meaning
- To freeze, to be numb with cold.
§ Examples in Common Situations
You'll often hear 凍える in casual conversations about the weather or how someone feels. It's very practical for describing physical sensations related to cold.
手が凍えるほど寒い。
Translation hint: My hands are so cold they're freezing/numb.
外で待っていたら足が凍えてきた。
Translation hint: My feet started to freeze/go numb from waiting outside.
§ When to Use 凍える
You use 凍える when the cold is so intense it's affecting your body's function or comfort. Think about situations like:
- Walking outside in winter without enough layers.
- Waiting for a train on a freezing platform.
- Being in a room with no heating when it's very cold.
雪が降っていて、体が凍えるようだった。
Translation hint: It was snowing, and my body felt like it was freezing.
§ Where You'll Hear This Word
You'll hear 凍える frequently in everyday conversations, especially in:
- Work: If you work outdoors or in a poorly heated office, you might hear colleagues say their fingers or feet are 凍える. For example, a construction worker might say, 「指が凍えて、細かい作業ができない。」 (My fingers are frozen, so I can't do detailed work.)
- School: Students waiting for morning assembly outside or playing in the cold might use it. A child might complain, 「体育館が寒くて足が凍える！」 (The gym is so cold my feet are freezing!)
- News: Weather reports, especially during severe winter conditions, will use 凍える to describe how people might feel. For instance, you might hear, 「今夜は全国的に冷え込み、凍えるような寒さになるでしょう。」 (Tonight, temperatures will drop nationwide, leading to freezing cold.)
It's a very common and natural way to express being extremely cold in Japanese. Listen for it in dramas, news, or when talking to Japanese friends, especially in winter. Understanding 凍える will help you better grasp the nuance of cold-related expressions.
§ Don't Confuse 凍える with 凍る (kooru)
Many learners mix up 凍える (kogoeru) and 凍る (kooru). They both relate to cold, but their meanings and usages are different. Think of it this way:
- 凍える (kogoeru)
- This is about living things feeling the cold to the point of numbness or being on the verge of freezing. It's a sensation.
- 凍る (kooru)
- This is about things actually freezing solid, like water turning into ice. It's a physical state change.
You wouldn't say your hands 凍る (kooru) unless they literally turned into blocks of ice! You would say your hands 凍える (kogoeru) if they're so cold they feel numb.
手が凍えるほど寒い。
My hands are so cold they're freezing (numb).
水が凍る。
The water freezes.
§ Using 凍える in the Past Tense
When you want to say you 'were freezing' or 'felt numb from the cold', you need to use the correct past tense form. This is generally 凍えた (kogoeta).
昨日の夜は寒くて凍えた。
Last night it was so cold I was freezing.
Some learners might try to use forms like 凍えるでした (kogoeru deshita) or other incorrect conjugations. Stick to 凍えた for simple past tense.
§ Don't Overuse it for Mild Cold
While 凍える means to feel cold, it implies a significant level of coldness – to the point of discomfort, numbness, or being on the verge of freezing. It's stronger than just 'being cold' (寒い - samui).
If you just feel a bit chilly, 寒い (samui) is the word to use. Save 凍える for when you're truly feeling the bite of the cold.
Correct: 今日は寒いですね。(Kyou wa samui desu ne.) - It's cold today, isn't it? (mild to moderate cold)
Correct: 外は凍えるような寒さだ。(Soto wa kogoeru you na samusa da.) - Outside, it's a freezing (numbing) cold. (severe cold)
Incorrect (if only slightly cold): 私は凍えています。(Watashi wa kogoete imasu.) - I am freezing. (if you just mean 'I'm a bit cold')
By keeping these points in mind, you'll use 凍える much more accurately and naturally in your Japanese conversations. Pay attention to the context and the degree of coldness you want to express.
§ 凍える: To Freeze, To Be Numb with Cold
凍える (kogoeru) is a verb that means 'to freeze' or 'to be numb with cold.' It’s used when you’re feeling extremely cold, to the point where your body parts might feel stiff or numb. Think of a very cold winter day, or when you’ve been outside for too long without warm clothes. This word focuses on the physical sensation of being uncomfortably cold.
寒さで手足が凍える ようだ。
- Hint
- My hands and feet are freezing/numb with cold.
外はとても寒くて、体が凍えそう だった。
- Hint
- It was so cold outside that my body almost froze.
§ Similar Words and How to Use Them
Japanese has several words to describe coldness, each with slightly different nuances. Let's look at some common ones and see how they compare to 凍える (kogoeru).
寒い (samui): This is the most general word for 'cold' (referring to weather or air temperature). It's a common adjective you'll learn early on.
今日はとても寒い 。
- Hint
- It's very cold today.
冷たい (tsumetai): This adjective describes something that is 'cold to the touch.' It's often used for objects, liquids, or body parts (like cold hands).
冷たい水を飲む。
- Hint
- Drink cold water.
しびれる (shibireru): This verb means 'to go numb' or 'to tingle,' often due to pressure or poor circulation, but it can also be used for cold-induced numbness. When talking about cold, it's very close in meaning to 凍える.
寒さで指先がしびれる 。
- Hint
- My fingertips are numb from the cold.
凍く (kouru): This verb means 'to freeze' in a more literal sense, like water turning into ice, or food freezing solid. It describes a change of state.
水が凍く 。
- Hint
- Water freezes.
§ When to use 凍える
Use 凍える when you want to express that a person or their body part is so cold that it feels:
Numb
Stiff
Frozen (metaphorically or literally, if referring to a body part like fingers or toes)
It conveys a stronger, more intense feeling of cold than just 寒い. It’s about the physical sensation of your body being negatively affected by the extreme cold. Think of it as a step beyond simply being 'cold' and closer to 'about to get frostbite' or 'really struggling with the cold.'
Difficulty Rating
The kanji 凍 is common, but its on'yomi and kun'yomi readings vary. For 凍える, the reading 'kogoeru' is straightforward.
The kanji 凍 is relatively common, making it less challenging to write once learned.
The pronunciation 'kogoeru' is simple and follows standard Japanese phonetics.
The sound 'kogoeru' is distinct and easily recognizable in context.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
凍える is an intransitive verb, meaning it doesn't take a direct object. You wouldn't say 'to freeze something' with 凍える.
手がかじかんで凍えている。(My hands are stiff and numb with cold.)
It's often used with 'てしまう' (teshimau) to express that something has unfortunately or completely frozen.
寒すぎて、水道管が凍えてしまった。(It was so cold that the water pipes completely froze.)
You can use it in its plain form when describing a state of being frozen or numb.
外は凍えるような寒さだ。(It's freezing cold outside.)
It can be used with 'そう' (sou) to express that someone looks like they are freezing or about to freeze.
彼は寒そうで凍えそうだ。(He looks cold, like he's about to freeze.)
The particle 'に' (ni) can be used to indicate the part of the body that is freezing.
耳が凍える。(My ears are freezing.)
Examples by Level
体が凍える。
My body freezes.
手が凍える。
My hands are freezing.
足が凍える。
My feet are freezing.
寒くて凍える。
It's cold and I'm freezing.
外は凍えるほど寒い。
Outside is freezing cold.
指が凍える。
My fingers are freezing.
凍える風が吹く。
A freezing wind blows.
凍える夜。
A freezing night.
北風が吹いて、手足が凍えるように冷たかった。
The north wind blew, and my hands and feet were so cold they felt frozen.
〜ように: like, as if
真冬の夜、暖房がなくて部屋全体が凍えるほど寒かった。
On a midwinter night, without heating, the whole room was so cold it felt frozen.
〜ほど: to the extent that
凍えるような寒さの中、彼は薄着で立っていた。
He stood thinly dressed in the freezing cold.
〜ような: like, as if
長時間雪の中にいたので、体が凍えて感覚がなかった。
I was in the snow for a long time, so my body was frozen and I couldn't feel anything.
〜て感覚がない: frozen and can't feel
この湖は冬の間、完全に凍えることがあります。
This lake can completely freeze over during winter.
〜ことがある: there are times when...
指が凍えて、スマートフォンの操作がうまくできなかった。
My fingers were frozen, and I couldn't operate my smartphone well.
〜て、〜できない: because of ..., can't ...
彼の冷たい視線に、まるで心が凍えるような気がした。
His cold gaze made me feel as if my heart was freezing.
〜ような気がする: feel as if
朝早く起きて外に出たら、空気が凍えるほど澄んでいた。
When I woke up early and went outside, the air was so clear it felt freezing.
〜ほど澄んでいる: so clear that it feels like...
今年の冬は特に寒く、手足が凍えるような日が続いています。
This winter is especially cold, and days continue where my hands and feet are freezing.
山頂では風が強くて、体が凍えるほどでした。
On the mountaintop, the wind was strong, and my body was freezing.
寒い夜に暖房が壊れてしまい、凍える思いをしました。
The heating broke on a cold night, and I had the experience of freezing.
長時間外にいたので、耳が凍える感覚でした。
I was outside for a long time, so my ears felt frozen.
冬の日本海は荒れていて、船の上では波しぶきで凍えるほどだ。
The Sea of Japan in winter is rough, and on the boat, it's so cold you freeze from the sea spray.
暖炉の火が消えてしまい、部屋全体が凍えるような寒さになった。
The fireplace fire went out, and the whole room became freezing cold.
雪山で遭難しかけた時、寒さで体が凍えるかと思った。
When I almost got lost in the snowy mountains, I thought my body would freeze from the cold.
彼の冷たい視線に、まるで心が凍えるような感覚を覚えた。
I felt as if my heart was freezing from his cold gaze.
朝早く、自転車で学校へ向かう途中、手足が凍えるほど寒かった。
Early in the morning, on my way to school by bicycle, my limbs were so cold they felt frozen.
〜ほど (hodo) indicates degree or extent.
暖房が壊れていて、部屋の中は凍えるような寒さだった。
The heating was broken, and the room was freezing cold.
〜のような (no you na) means 'like' or 'as if'.
冬の夜、外で長時間待っていると、体が芯から凍える。
On a winter night, if you wait outside for a long time, your body freezes to the core.
〜と (to) indicates a natural consequence or general truth.
雪山で遭難し、凍えるような寒さの中で救助を待った。
I got lost in the snowy mountains and waited for rescue in freezing cold.
〜ような (you na) modifies the noun '寒さ' (samusa, coldness).
川に入ると、水が凍えるほど冷たかったので、すぐに上がった。
When I entered the river, the water was so freezing cold that I got out immediately.
〜ほど (hodo) indicates degree, and 〜ので (node) indicates reason.
彼は凍える手を温めようと、何度も息を吹きかけた。
He blew on his freezing hands many times to warm them up.
〜ようと (you to) indicates an attempt or effort.
凍える風が吹き荒れる中、彼女はただ一人、駅のベンチに座っていた。
In the midst of the howling freezing wind, she sat alone on a station bench.
〜中 (naka) indicates 'in the middle of' or 'during'.
暖炉の火が消え、部屋は凍える闇に包まれた。
The fireplace fire went out, and the room was enveloped in freezing darkness.
〜に包まれた (ni tsutsumareta) means 'was enveloped in'.
Often Confused With
This means 'death by freezing' or 'freezing to death'. While 凍える refers to the state of being extremely cold and numb, 凍死 is the ultimate consequence.
This means 'frostbite'. Again, 凍える describes the general sensation of freezing, while 凍傷 is the specific medical condition resulting from extreme cold exposure.
This idiomatic expression means 'bone-chilling cold' or 'bitterly cold'. It vividly describes the intense cold that might cause one to 凍える.
Easily Confused
Both 冷える and 凍える relate to cold. However, 冷える means to get cold or cool down, often referring to a less extreme cold or the process of something becoming cold. It doesn't imply the extreme numbness or freezing associated with 凍える.
冷える: to get cold, to cool down (less severe). 凍える: to freeze, to be numb with cold (more severe, implying discomfort or pain).
風邪をひいたので体が冷えている。(Kaze o hiita node karada ga hiete iru.) - I caught a cold, so my body is cold. / 冬の夜は本当に冷える。(Fuyu no yoru wa hontou ni hieru.) - Winter nights get really cold.
凍る also translates to 'to freeze,' but it generally refers to the freezing of water or other liquids, turning into ice. While 凍える refers to a living thing (person or animal) feeling the extreme cold.
凍る: water or liquid freezes into ice. 凍える: a living being feels numb from extreme cold.
バケツの水が凍った。(Baketsu no mizu ga kooru.) - The water in the bucket froze. / 湖が凍り始めた。(Mizuumi ga koori hajimeta.) - The lake started to freeze.
寒い is a general adjective for 'cold.' While it describes the sensation of cold, 凍える implies a much more intense and uncomfortable level of cold, leading to numbness or near-freezing.
寒い: generally cold (adjective). 凍える: numb from extreme cold (verb). 凍える is a consequence of 寒い weather.
今日はとても寒いですね。(Kyou wa totemo samui desu ne.) - It's very cold today, isn't it? / 寒い日には温かいものが食べたい。(Samui hi ni wa atatakai mono ga tabetai.) - I want to eat something warm on a cold day.
冷たい is an adjective for 'cold,' but it typically describes the temperature of objects, food, or drinks when touched. It doesn't describe the general atmospheric cold or the sensation of being numb from cold as 凍える does.
冷たい: cold to the touch (adjective, for objects/things). 凍える: numb from extreme cold (verb, for living beings).
冷たい水が飲みたい。(Tsumetai mizu ga nomitai.) - I want to drink cold water. / この部屋はいつも冷たい。(Kono heya wa itsumo tsumetai.) - This room is always cold (to the touch/uninviting).
震える means 'to tremble' or 'to shake,' which can be a reaction to cold. However, 震える describes the physical act of shaking, while 凍える describes the feeling of being extremely cold, which *might* cause one to tremble.
震える: to tremble, to shake (a physical action). 凍える: to freeze, to be numb with cold (a state of feeling/being).
寒さで体が震えた。(Samusa de karada ga furueta.) - My body trembled from the cold. / 緊張で手が震える。(Kinchou de te ga furueru.) - My hands are trembling from nervousness.
Word Family
Nouns
How to Use It
凍える (こごえる) is an intransitive verb. It describes a state of feeling extremely cold, often to the point of being numb or stiff. It's commonly used to describe people, animals, or parts of the body when they are freezing cold. You wouldn't use it for water freezing into ice; that would be 凍る (こおる).
A common mistake is confusing 凍える (こごえる) with 凍る (こおる). 凍える is about *feeling* frozen or numb from the cold, while 凍る is about something *physically freezing* (like water turning into ice).
Another mistake is trying to use it transitively. You can't 'freeze something' with 凍える. If you want to say something *makes* you cold, you'd use a different verb or phrase, like 寒くて身にしみる (さむくてみにしみる - the cold bites deep).
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Describing how cold you feel physically
- 手足が凍える (Teashi ga kogoeru)
- 体が凍える (Karada ga kogoeru)
- 凍えるほど寒い (Kogoeru hodo samui)
Talking about things freezing, like water or the ground
- 水が凍える (Mizu ga kogoeru)
- 地面が凍える (Jimen ga kogoeru)
- 水道管が凍える (Suidōkan ga kogoeru)
Expressing that you are very cold
- 凍え死にしそうだ (Kogoeshini-sō da)
- 凍えそう (Kogoesō)
- 凍えるような寒さ (Kogoeru yō na samusa)
Describing a situation where you are exposed to cold for a long time
- 外で凍える (Soto de kogoeru)
- 山で凍える (Yama de kogoeru)
- 雪の中で凍える (Yuki no naka de kogoeru)
Figuratively describing something as frozen or numb (e.g., a heart, a smile)
- 心が凍える (Kokoro ga kogoeru)
- 笑顔が凍える (Egao ga kogoeru)
- 言葉が凍える (Kotoba ga kogoeru)
Conversation Starters
"今日の朝は凍えるほど寒かったですね。 (Kyō no asa wa kogoeru hodo samukatta desu ne.) - It was freezing cold this morning, wasn't it?"
"冬の北海道は、体が凍えるような寒さだと聞きました。本当ですか？ (Fuyu no Hokkaidō wa, karada ga kogoeru yō na samusa da to kikimashita. Hontō desu ka?) - I heard that winter in Hokkaido is so cold your body freezes. Is that true?"
"もし手足が凍えてしまったら、どうすればいいですか？ (Moshi teashi ga kogoete shimattara, dō sureba ii desu ka?) - What should I do if my hands and feet become numb with cold?"
"凍えるような寒い日に、温かい飲み物を飲むと本当に癒されますよね。 (Kogoeru yō na samui hi ni, atatakai nomimono o nomu to hontō ni iyasaremasu yo ne.) - On a freezing cold day, drinking a warm drink is really comforting, isn't it?"
"凍えるような寒い場所で、何か記憶に残る経験はありますか？ (Kogoeru yō na samui basho de, nani ka kioku ni nokoru keiken wa arimasu ka?) - Do you have any memorable experiences in a freezing cold place?"
Journal Prompts
今日、外に出て手足が凍えるような寒さを感じた時の状況を詳しく書きましょう。 (Kyō, soto ni dete teashi ga kogoeru yō na samusa o kanjita toki no jōkyō o kuwashiku kakimashō.) - Write in detail about the situation today when you went outside and felt your hands and feet freezing.
「凍える」という言葉を使って、極寒の場所での旅行体験を想像して書きましょう。 (「Kogoeru」という kotoba o tsukatte, gokkan no basho de no ryokō taiken o sōzō shite kakimashō.) - Imagine and write about a travel experience in an extremely cold place, using the word 'kogoeru'.
心が凍えるような悲しい出来事や、逆に心が温まるような嬉しい出来事について書きましょう。 (Kokoro ga kogoeru yō na kanashii dekigoto ya, gyaku ni kokoro ga atatamaru yō na ureshii dekigoto ni tsuite kakimashō.) - Write about a sad event that made your heart freeze, or conversely, a happy event that warmed your heart.
あなたの住んでいる地域で、最も「凍える」と感じる時期や場所はどこですか？その理由も説明してください。 (Anata no sunde iru chiiki de, motto mo 「kogoeru」 to kanjiru jiki ya basho wa doko desu ka? Sono riyū mo setsumei shite kudasai.) - In the area you live, what is the time or place where you feel the most 'frozen'? Please explain the reason too.
もしあなたが凍えるような寒い冬を過ごさなければならないとしたら、どのような準備をしますか？ (Moshi anata ga kogoeru yō na samui fuyu o sugosanakereba naranai to shitara, dono yō na junbi o shimasu ka?) - If you had to spend a freezing cold winter, what kind of preparations would you make?
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsThat's a great question! While there are many ways to express 'cold' in Japanese, 凍える (kogoeru) specifically refers to the act of freezing or being numb with cold. Think of it as a stronger, more intense kind of coldness than just さむい (samui) which is a general 'cold'.
Not usually. 凍える (kogoeru) is almost always used for people or living things that are feeling the cold intensely. For food or drinks, you'd typically use words like 冷たい (tsumetai) for 'cold' or 凍る (kooru) if something is literally freezing solid.
Good observation! 凍える (kogoeru) is intransitive and describes the feeling of being frozen or numb with cold. It's about how you feel. 凍る (kooru), on the other hand, means 'to freeze' or 'to congeal' and can be used for water freezing into ice, or even a person literally freezing to death, but less commonly for the sensation of cold.
Yes, it can! While its primary meaning is physical cold, 凍える (kogoeru) can be used metaphorically to describe a situation where someone is so scared or shocked that they 'freeze' or 'are numb with fear.' However, in daily conversation, the physical cold meaning is far more common.
凍える (kogoeru) is an ichidan verb, which makes its conjugation pretty straightforward. The masu form is 凍えます (kogoemasu), the te form is 凍えて (kogoete), and the past tense is 凍えた (kogoeta). Just follow the standard ichidan conjugation rules!
凍える (kogoeru) itself is a neutral verb. Its formality depends on the surrounding sentence structure and politeness markers you use. For example, 凍えます (kogoemasu) is polite, while 凍える (kogoeru) used alone or in plain form is informal.
Of course! Here’s one:
手が凍えるほど寒い。 (Te ga kogoeru hodo samui.)
Hint: It's so cold that my hands are freezing.
Absolutely! When it's really cold outside, you'll hear and use 凍える (kogoeru) quite a bit. It's a very natural way to express that intense cold sensation.
A common phrase is 凍え死ぬ (kogoeshinu) which means 'to freeze to death.' While quite dramatic, it effectively uses 凍える to convey extreme cold.
You can say 凍えそう！ (Kogoe-sou!) which means 'I'm about to freeze!' or 凍えるほど寒い！ (Kogoeru hodo samui!) meaning 'It's so cold it's freezing!'. Both are natural ways to express that feeling.
Test Yourself 96 questions
冬の朝はとても寒くて、手足が___。
「凍える」は「とても寒くて感覚がなくなる」という意味です。冬の朝の状況に合っています。
外は雪が降っていて、体が___そうだ。
雪が降っている状況では、体が「凍える」ほど寒くなることがあります。
手袋をしないと、指が___しまう。
手袋をしないと、寒いときに指が「凍えて」感覚がなくなります。
この部屋は暖房がないので、とても___。
暖房がない部屋はとても寒いので、「凍える」という言葉が適切です。
寒い冬の夜は、体が___ので、厚着をしましょう。
寒い冬の夜は体が「凍える」ので、厚着をすることが勧められます。
水に長時間入っていたので、足が___た。
水に長時間入っていると、足が「凍え」て感覚がなくなることがあります。
It's so cold, I think I'll freeze.
My hands are freezing/numb with cold.
Outside, it's freezing cold.
Read this aloud:
寒くて凍えそうです。
Focus: こごえそう (kogoesō)
You said:
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Read this aloud:
手が凍えています。
Focus: こごえています (kogoeteimasu)
You said:
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Read this aloud:
外は凍える寒さです。
Focus: こごえる (kogoeru)
You said:
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This sentence means 'My hands are freezing.' '手' (te) means hand, 'が' (ga) is a particle, and '凍えています' (kogoete imasu) means 'are freezing.'
This means 'Outside is so cold it freezes you.' '外' (soto) means outside, 'は' (wa) is a particle, '凍える' (kogoeru) is to freeze, 'ほど' (hodo) means 'to the extent of,' and '寒いです' (samui desu) means 'is cold.'
This sentence means 'My feet are already freezing.' '足' (ashi) means foot/leg, 'が' (ga) is a particle, 'もう' (mou) means already, and '凍えています' (kogoete imasu) means 'are freezing.'
Choose the correct kanji for 'koeru' (to freeze):
凍える (koeru) specifically means to freeze or be numb with cold. 冷える (hieru) means to get cold, 寒い (samui) means cold (weather), and 温かい (atakai) means warm.
Which sentence correctly uses '凍える'?
凍える is typically used for a person or part of a person's body feeling numb from cold. '水が凍える' (water freezes) or 'ご飯が凍える' (rice freezes) would more commonly use '凍る' (kooru). '部屋が凍える' (room freezes) is less natural.
What is the most common meaning of '凍える'?
凍える specifically refers to the sensation of being so cold that you feel numb or are about to freeze.
'凍える' can be used to describe water turning into ice.
While '凍える' is related to freezing, it's primarily used for a person or their body feeling numb from cold. For water turning into ice, '凍る' (kooru) is used.
If your hands are '凍える', it means they are very cold and probably numb.
Yes, '手が凍える' means your hands are so cold they feel numb or are almost frozen.
'凍える' has a more intense meaning of coldness than '寒い' (samui).
寒い (samui) simply means cold. 凍える (koeru) implies a much more severe cold, leading to numbness or the sensation of freezing.
It's so cold, my hands and feet are freezing.
It's very cold outside, so please wear warm clothes so you don't freeze.
On winter mornings, my body always freezes.
Read this aloud:
寒すぎて指が凍えてきた。
Focus: こごえてきた (kogoetekita)
You said:
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Read this aloud:
雪の中で待っていたら、足が凍えてしまった。
Focus: こごえてしまった (kogoete shimatta)
You said:
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Read this aloud:
凍えるような寒い日です。
Focus: こごえるような (kogoeru you na)
You said:
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This sentence means 'It's freezing cold outside.' '凍えるほど' (kogoeru hodo) means 'to the extent of freezing' or 'freezing cold.'
This sentence means 'My hands are frozen and I can't feel them.' '凍えて' (kogoete) is the te-form of 凍える, indicating a state.
This sentence means 'Winter mornings are very freezing.' '凍えます' (kogoemasu) is the polite form of 凍える.
Choose the most appropriate meaning for 「凍える」.
「凍える」 (ko-go-eru) specifically means to freeze, to be numb with cold. It's used when talking about feeling extremely cold.
Which sentence correctly uses 「凍える」?
「手足が凍えるほど寒いです。」 (Teashi ga kogoeru hodo samui desu.) means 'It's so cold that my hands and feet are freezing.' This is a correct usage as 「凍える」 describes a physical sensation of coldness.
What is the common kanji used in 「凍える」?
The kanji 凍 (tō, ko-go-eru) is commonly used to express freezing or being frozen. It's a key part of the verb 「凍える」.
「凍える」 can be used to describe feeling warm.
「凍える」 specifically means to freeze or be numb with cold. It is never used to describe feeling warm.
If you say 「体が凍える」, it means your body is feeling extremely cold.
「体が凍える」 (Karada ga kogoeru) literally means 'my body is freezing,' indicating a sensation of extreme cold.
「凍える」 is a noun.
「凍える」 is a verb, meaning 'to freeze' or 'to be numb with cold.'
The speaker is feeling very cold in their extremities.
The speaker is describing the coldness of a place in winter.
The speaker was waiting outside for a long time.
Read this aloud:
寒い！凍えそうだよ！
Focus: こごえそう (kogoesou)
You said:
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Read this aloud:
手が凍えて、字が書けません。
Focus: こごえて (kogoete)
You said:
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Read this aloud:
凍えるような寒い日には、温かい飲み物が一番です。
Focus: こごえるような (kogoeru you na)
You said:
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Imagine you are outside on a very cold day. Describe how you feel using 「凍える」.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
今日はとても寒いです。手足が凍えるほど冷たいです。
Your friend is going on a trip to Hokkaido in winter. Write a short message advising them to dress warmly so they don't 「凍える」.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
冬の北海道はとても寒いから、凍えないように暖かい服を着てね。気をつけて！
You saw a news report about heavy snow in a certain region. Describe the situation using 「凍える」 to express the cold.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
テレビのニュースで、ある地域が大雪で人々が凍えていると報じていました。
文章から、彼はどのように感じていましたか？
Read this passage:
冬の朝、彼は自転車で学校へ向かった。風が強く、手袋をしていても指が凍えるように冷たかった。早く暖かい部屋に入りたいと思った。
文章から、彼はどのように感じていましたか？
文章には「手袋をしていても指が凍えるように冷たかった」とあります。
文章には「手袋をしていても指が凍えるように冷たかった」とあります。
探検家たちが直面している主な困難は何ですか？
Read this passage:
北極圏の探検家たちは、常に厳しい寒さとの戦いです。彼らの体は凍えるほどの低温にさらされ、命の危険もあります。
探検家たちが直面している主な困難は何ですか？
文章には「常に厳しい寒さとの戦いです」「体は凍えるほどの低温にさらされ」とあります。
文章には「常に厳しい寒さとの戦いです」「体は凍えるほどの低温にさらされ」とあります。
この天気予報は何を勧めていますか？
Read this passage:
今日の天気予報は、最高気温が０度を下回ると言っていました。外出するときは、体全体が凍えないように厚着をしてください。
この天気予報は何を勧めていますか？
「体全体が凍えないように厚着をしてください」と明確に書かれています。
「体全体が凍えないように厚着をしてください」と明確に書かれています。
This sentence means 'My hands are frozen.' It describes a state of being numb from cold. The particle 'が' marks the subject, '手' (hand). '凍える' is used in its te-form '凍えて' followed by 'います' to indicate a continuous state.
This sentence translates to 'It's so cold outside that I don't want to go out and freeze.' '外は' (outside) is the topic. 'あまりに寒いので' (because it's too cold) sets the reason. '凍える出たくないです' means 'don't want to go out and freeze'.
This sentence means 'My feet froze and I lost sensation.' '足が' (feet) is the subject. '凍えてしまい' (froze and ended up in that state) indicates the result of freezing. '感覚がなくなりました' means 'lost sensation'.
This sentence means 'It was so cold outside that my hands froze.' '外で' (soto de) means 'outside', '手が' (te ga) means 'hands', '凍えるほど' (kogoeru hodo) means 'to the extent of freezing', and '寒かった' (samukatta) means 'was cold'.
This sentence means 'My feet are frozen in the snowy mountains and I can't move them.' '雪山で' (yukiyama de) means 'in the snowy mountains', '足が' (ashi ga) means 'feet', '凍えて' (kogoete) is the te-form of '凍える' meaning 'freezing', and '動かせない' (ugokasenai) means 'can't move'.
This sentence means 'The wind was so strong that my ears felt like they were freezing.' '風が強くて' (kaze ga tsuyokute) means 'the wind was strong', '耳が' (mimi ga) means 'ears', and '凍えそうだった' (kogoesou datta) means 'looked like they would freeze'.
Which sentence correctly uses 凍える to describe freezing weather?
凍えるような寒さ (kogoeru you na samusa) means 'freezing cold,' directly describing the weather. The other options use '凍える' in a slightly different context or with a different nuance.
Choose the most appropriate sentence using 凍える to describe a person's physical state.
手足が凍えて動かせない (teashi ga kogoete ugokasenai) means 'my limbs are so frozen I can't move them,' which accurately describes a physical state of being numb with cold. The other options use '凍える' more metaphorically.
Which of the following phrases is the best translation for 'to freeze to death'?
凍え死ぬ (kogoeshinu) directly translates to 'to freeze to death,' combining 凍える (to freeze) with 死ぬ (to die).
The phrase '凍える心' (kogoeru kokoro) literally means 'a heart that is numb with cold due to low temperature.'
'凍える心' is a metaphorical expression meaning a 'cold heart' or 'a heart that is emotionally numb,' not literally cold due to temperature.
You can use 凍える to describe the feeling of being cold to the point of pain.
凍える (kogoeru) perfectly conveys the sensation of being so cold that one's body parts become numb or painful, indicating severe cold.
When referring to water freezing into ice, 凍える is the most natural verb to use.
While '凍える' means 'to freeze,' for water turning into ice, '凍る' (kōru) is the more natural and commonly used verb. 凍える typically refers to living things or body parts becoming numb from cold.
What do you do when it's cold enough to freeze?
What happened to her hands and feet due to the cold?
What can happen to lakes in Hokkaido during winter?
Read this aloud:
寒い冬の朝、外に出ると体が凍えます。
Focus: こごえます (kogoemasu)
You said:
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Read this aloud:
凍えるような風が吹いて、耳が痛くなりました。
Focus: こごえるような (kogoeru you na)
You said:
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Read this aloud:
暖房がない部屋で一晩過ごしたら、本当に体が凍えました。
Focus: ほんとうに体が凍えました (hontou ni karada ga kogoemashita)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
What was the weather like this winter?
What happened to my hands and feet from waiting outside?
What kind of wind was blowing?
Read this aloud:
寒すぎて、指先が凍えて感覚がない。
Focus: こごえて
You said:
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Read this aloud:
凍える夜に、温かいお茶が身にしみた。
Focus: こごえる
You said:
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Read this aloud:
北海道の冬は、凍えるような寒さで有名だ。
Focus: こごえるような
You said:
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Imagine you're an Arctic explorer. Describe a typical day in your life, focusing on the challenges of extreme cold and how you cope with the feeling of your body "凍える" (freezing).
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
北極探検家としての私の日常は、凍えるような寒さとの戦いです。朝、分厚い毛布から出ると、すぐに外の極寒の空気が顔に張り付きます。手足はすぐに凍え始め、感覚が麻痺するほどです。防寒着を何枚も重ね着し、暖かい飲み物で体の中から温めますが、それでも作業中は常に体が凍えるのを感じます。この厳しい環境で生き抜くためには、忍耐力と適切な装備が不可欠です。
Write a short story about someone who gets lost in a blizzard and faces the terrifying experience of their body starting to "凍える". How do they react, and what thoughts go through their mind?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
猛吹雪の中、私は完全に道を見失った。風が容赦なく吹き荒れ、雪が視界を遮る。あっという間に体は凍え始め、指先や足先は感覚を失いかけた。このままでは命が危ないという恐怖が全身を駆け巡る。家族の顔が脳裏に浮かび、なんとしてでも生きて帰らなければと強く思った。震える手で携帯電話を取り出すが、電波は届かない。絶望的な状況の中、私は最後の力を振り絞って雪の中を歩き続けた。
Discuss the physiological effects of extreme cold on the human body, specifically how it leads to the sensation of "凍える" and what long-term damage prolonged exposure can cause.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
極度の寒さは、人体に深刻な影響を与え、まさに体が凍えるような感覚を引き起こします。体温が低下すると、体は生命維持のために臓器への血流を優先し、手足などの末端への血流を減少させます。これにより、手足が凍える感覚が生じ、さらに進むと低体温症や凍傷を引き起こします。長時間の露出は、細胞の損傷、組織の壊死、神経障害など、回復不可能な長期的なダメージをもたらす可能性があります。最悪の場合、死に至ることもあります。
この文章から、登山者が体が凍えるのを防ぐために最も重要だと考えられる行動は何ですか？
Read this passage:
厳しい冬の登山では、適切な防寒対策が命を左右します。特に、標高が高くなるにつれて気温は急激に下がり、少しでも油断すると体が凍えるような寒さに襲われます。手袋や帽子、保温性の高いウェアを着用し、常に体温を維持することが重要です。もし体が凍え始めたと感じたら、すぐに温かい shelter に移動し、温かい飲み物を摂取するなどの応急処置が必要です。
この文章から、登山者が体が凍えるのを防ぐために最も重要だと考えられる行動は何ですか？
文章全体で「適切な防寒対策が命を左右します」「保温性の高いウェアを着用し、常に体温を維持することが重要です」と述べられており、これが最も包括的で重要な行動とされています。
文章全体で「適切な防寒対策が命を左右します」「保温性の高いウェアを着用し、常に体温を維持することが重要です」と述べられており、これが最も包括的で重要な行動とされています。
この文章が示唆している、体の凍えることによる健康リスクが高い人々は誰ですか？
Read this passage:
近年の異常気象により、例年以上に冬の寒さが厳しくなっています。特に高齢者や持病を持つ人々は、体が凍えることによる健康リスクが高まります。低体温症や心臓発作のリスクを減らすためにも、暖房の適切な使用、厚着、そして栄養バランスの取れた食事を心がけることが不可欠です。地域によっては、行政が暖房費補助や見守り活動を行っています。
この文章が示唆している、体の凍えることによる健康リスクが高い人々は誰ですか？
文章中に「特に高齢者や持病を持つ人々は、体が凍えることによる健康リスクが高まります」と明記されています。
文章中に「特に高齢者や持病を持つ人々は、体が凍えることによる健康リスクが高まります」と明記されています。
「凍える」という言葉が物理的な寒さ以外で使われる場合、どのような感情や状態を象徴していますか？
Read this passage:
「凍える」という言葉は、物理的な寒さだけでなく、心理的な状況を表す際にも使われます。例えば、人々の冷たい視線に心が凍える、あるいは恐ろしい出来事に体が凍りつくといった表現です。この場合、「凍える」は恐怖、絶望、または精神的な麻痺の状態を象徴しています。文学作品では、このような比喩的な表現が読者に深い感情的な影響を与えるために用いられます。
「凍える」という言葉が物理的な寒さ以外で使われる場合、どのような感情や状態を象徴していますか？
文章中に「この場合、『凍える』は恐怖、絶望、または精神的な麻痺の状態を象徴しています」と明確に述べられています。
文章中に「この場合、『凍える』は恐怖、絶望、または精神的な麻痺の状態を象徴しています」と明確に述べられています。
This sentence describes how exposure to the cold air made one's limbs freeze. The natural order in Japanese is to state the cause/condition first, followed by the affected body part, and then the state of freezing.
Here, the cause (broken heater) comes first, followed by the affected area (entire room), and then the descriptive phrase '凍えるような寒さ' meaning 'freezing cold'.
This sentence describes the biting cold of a winter night that makes one freeze. The order emphasizes the type of cold ('身を切るような寒さ') before the action of freezing.
/ 96 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
凍える means to feel so cold you're almost frozen, like your fingers in winter.
- Verb meaning 'to freeze' or 'to be numb with cold'.
- Used to describe extreme cold affecting a person or body part.
- Commonly encountered in daily conversations about weather or discomfort.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More nature words
～上
B1Above; on top of; up.
〜の上
A2On top of, above, upon.
豊か
B1Abundant; rich; plentiful (na-adjective).
〜に従って
B1According to, in conformity with, as (something happens).
酸性雨
B1Acid rain.
営み
B1Activity; daily life; undertaking (e.g., life's activities).
順応する
B1To adapt; to adjust; to conform.
~を背景に
B1Against the backdrop of; with...as background.
空気
A2air
大気汚染
B1Air pollution; the presence of harmful substances in the air.
