It describes an intense, biting cold that freezes objects or creates an icy atmosphere.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Describes extreme cold where things freeze.
- Used for literal freezing temperatures or icy atmospheres.
- Often used metaphorically for cold, stern emotions.
概要
「凍てつく」は、寒さが厳しく、周囲のものが凍りついているかのような状態を指す動詞です。単に「寒い」と言うよりも、冷たさが肌に刺さるような、非常に強い寒さを強調する表現です。2) 使用パターン: 自然現象として気温や水に対して使うほか、比喩的に「凍てつくような視線」のように、冷酷さや緊張感を伴う場面でも頻繁に使用されます。3) 一般的な文脈: 冬の厳しい夜、雪山、あるいは人間関係の冷え込みなど、心理的な距離感を表す際にも用いられます。4) 類語との比較: 「凍える」は寒さによって身体が震えるという「人の状態」に焦点を当てるのに対し、「凍てつく」は「環境や対象物」が冷え切っているという客観的な状態を強調します。
Examples
凍てつくような寒さで手が動かない。
everydayMy hands won't move because of the freezing cold.
彼は凍てつくような冷たい視線を投げかけた。
formalHe cast an icy, freezing glare.
凍てつく夜空に星が輝いている。
informalStars are shining in the freezing night sky.
凍てつく大地は植物の成長を拒んでいる。
academicThe frozen earth refuses the growth of plants.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
凍てつく夜
Freezing night
凍てつく大地
Frozen land
凍てつく沈黙
Icy silence
Often Confused With
Kogoeru focuses on the physical sensation of cold felt by living beings. Itetuku describes the temperature of the environment itself.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
It is slightly formal or literary compared to simple adjectives. Use it when describing intense, biting cold or when creating a dramatic, cold atmosphere. It is rarely used in casual, everyday small talk about the weather.
Common Mistakes
Students often use it to mean 'slightly cold.' Remember it implies extreme, almost painful cold. Do not use it for objects that are just 'chilled' in a refrigerator.
Tips
Use for dramatic emphasis
Use this word when you want to emphasize how intense the cold is. It sounds more poetic and descriptive than just saying 'samui'.
Avoid in casual weather reports
Do not use it for mild weather; it sounds too dramatic. Stick to standard 'samui' for daily temperature talk.
Winter imagery in Japan
In Japanese literature, 'itetuku' evokes the aesthetic of harsh, silent winters. It is often associated with the beauty of snow-covered landscapes.
Word Origin
Derived from the verb 'iru' (to freeze/harden) and 'tsuku' (to attach/persist). It signifies a state where the cold has firmly taken hold of the surroundings.
Cultural Context
The term is deeply rooted in the Japanese appreciation for the severity of winter. It reflects the harsh reality of snowy regions in Japan.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Icy' (Itetuku) biting your skin. It sounds like a sharp 'ite' (ouch!) due to the cold.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「凍てつく」は気温や環境が非常に冷たいことを指すのに対し、「凍える」は寒さによって人間や動物が身体を震わせるという「主観的な体験」を指します。
はい、使えます。ただし、日常の軽い寒さには使わず、真冬の厳しい寒さや、ドラマチックな表現をしたい時に適しています。
はい。「凍てつくような視線」や「凍てつくような沈黙」のように、冷たさや緊張感を表す比喩として非常によく使われます。
過去形は「凍てついた」となります。例：凍てついた湖、凍てついた空気。
Test Yourself
真冬の夜、___空気が頬を刺す。
真冬の厳しい寒さを表すため、「凍てつく」が適切です。
Score: /1
Summary
It describes an intense, biting cold that freezes objects or creates an icy atmosphere.
- Describes extreme cold where things freeze.
- Used for literal freezing temperatures or icy atmospheres.
- Often used metaphorically for cold, stern emotions.
Use for dramatic emphasis
Use this word when you want to emphasize how intense the cold is. It sounds more poetic and descriptive than just saying 'samui'.
Avoid in casual weather reports
Do not use it for mild weather; it sounds too dramatic. Stick to standard 'samui' for daily temperature talk.
Winter imagery in Japan
In Japanese literature, 'itetuku' evokes the aesthetic of harsh, silent winters. It is often associated with the beauty of snow-covered landscapes.
Examples
4 of 4凍てつくような寒さで手が動かない。
My hands won't move because of the freezing cold.
彼は凍てつくような冷たい視線を投げかけた。
He cast an icy, freezing glare.
凍てつく夜空に星が輝いている。
Stars are shining in the freezing night sky.
凍てつく大地は植物の成長を拒んでいる。
The frozen earth refuses the growth of plants.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
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.
