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冷凍する

B1 verb #6,500 most common 10 min read

冷凍する

reitou suru Top 6,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 冷凍する in 30 Seconds

Explanation 冷凍する in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn '冷凍する' (reitō suru) as a simple action word related to the kitchen. Think of it as 'putting something in the freezer'. You might use it when talking about bread or meat. Japanese homes have a 'reitō-ko' (freezer), and this verb describes what you do with it. You can use the simple form 'reitō shimasu' (I will freeze it). Don't worry about complex grammar yet; just remember that it is an action you do to food to keep it for a long time. For example, 'Pan o reitō shimasu' means 'I will freeze the bread.' It is a very useful word for basic daily life and shopping. You might see this word on food packages in the supermarket. It's one of the first 'utility' verbs you should learn to manage your food in Japan. Just remember: Cold + Freeze + Do = Reitō suru.

At the A2 level, you can start using '冷凍する' in more varied sentences. You should be able to use the '~te' form, like 'reitō shite kudasai' (please freeze it) or 'reitō shite kara' (after freezing). You might talk about your habits, such as 'I always freeze leftovers.' You should also distinguish it from 'reizō' (refrigerate). A2 learners should know that 'reitō suru' is a transitive verb, so you always use the particle 'o' with the object you are freezing. You can also start using the noun 'reitō shokuhin' (frozen food) which is very common in Japan. For example, 'Kono niku o reitō shite mo ii desu ka?' (Is it okay to freeze this meat?). This level is about practical application in a household setting.

At the B1 level, you should understand the nuance of '冷凍する' as a preservation technique. You can use it to discuss 'tsukurioki' (meal prepping) and 'mottainai' (preventing waste). You should be comfortable with various conjugations, including the potential 'reitō dekiru' (can freeze) and the passive 'reitō sareru' (is frozen). You might hear this in cooking shows where they explain 'reitō no kotsu' (the tricks to freezing). You should also be able to explain the difference between 'reitō suru' and 'kooru' (the natural process of freezing). At this level, you can use the word in more complex sentences like 'I freeze the rice in small portions so it's easy to use later.' This word becomes a key part of your vocabulary for discussing efficiency and lifestyle.

At the B2 level, you can use '冷凍する' in professional or technical discussions. You might talk about the 'cold chain' (reitō mō) in logistics or the impact of 'shunkan reitō' (flash freezing) on food quality. You should understand how the word is used in business contexts, such as the frozen food industry's market trends. You can also use it metaphorically in specific set phrases, though you should be aware that it's less common than in English. You should be able to compare 'reitō suru' with more formal terms like 'tōketsu suru' and know when to use each. For example, you might discuss the environmental impact of 'reitō' technology. Your use of the word should reflect an understanding of its role in Japanese industry and society.

At the C1 level, you should have a nuanced command of '冷凍する' and its related compounds. You can discuss the scientific principles of 'reitō' such as the formation of ice crystals and how they affect cellular structures. You should be able to read and understand technical manuals or academic papers that use the word. You can also pick up on subtle nuances in marketing, such as why a company might choose 'reitō' over other preservation methods. Your vocabulary should include related idioms and specialized terms like 'kyūsuoku reitō' (rapid freezing) or 'reitō-yake' (freezer burn). You can engage in deep conversations about the history of refrigeration in Japan and its socio-economic effects. The word is no longer just a kitchen verb, but a concept within a larger system of technology and culture.

At the C2 level, you use '冷凍する' with the precision of a native speaker. You can navigate the most complex linguistic contexts, from legal documents regarding food safety to high-level scientific research. You understand the historical evolution of the term and its kanji. You can use the word and its derivatives to express subtle shades of meaning in any register, from extremely formal to casual slang. You are aware of how 'reitō' technology intersects with global issues like food security and energy consumption. You can effortlessly switch between 'reitō suru', 'tōketsu suru', and 'kooraseru' based on the specific context and desired tone. For you, the word is a versatile tool used to describe a fundamental process in the modern world with complete accuracy and cultural awareness.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

冷凍する in 30 Seconds

Reitō suru means 'to freeze' something intentionally, usually food, using a freezer for the purpose of preservation and preventing spoilage over a long period.
It is a transitive suru-verb (Group 3), meaning it requires an object followed by the particle 'o', such as 'niku o reitō suru' (freeze meat).
It is distinct from the intransitive verb 'kooru', which describes the natural process of water turning into ice without a direct human actor.
This word is essential for daily life in Japan, appearing in contexts like grocery shopping, meal prepping, and understanding food storage instructions.

The Japanese verb 冷凍する (reitō suru) is a compound verb consisting of the noun reitō (freezing/refrigeration) and the auxiliary verb suru (to do). At its core, it refers to the deliberate action of lowering the temperature of an object, typically food or biological samples, below the freezing point to preserve its state or prevent decay. Unlike the natural phenomenon of water freezing into ice, which uses the intransitive verb kooru, reitō suru is almost always an intentional, technological process. In a modern Japanese household, this word is used daily when discussing meal preparation, leftovers, and grocery shopping. The rise of 'reitō shokuhin' (frozen foods) in Japan has transformed the culinary landscape, making this verb essential for anyone navigating life in Japan.

Grammatical Category: This is a Suru-verb (Group 3), meaning it follows the conjugation patterns of 'suru'. It is transitive, requiring a direct object marked by the particle 'o'.

余ったご飯を小分けにして冷凍するのが、節約のコツです。(Freezing leftover rice in small portions is the secret to saving money.)

Beyond the kitchen, the term carries significant weight in logistics and science. The 'cold chain' (reitō mō) allows for the transport of fresh seafood from Hokkaido to Tokyo. In medical contexts, researchers use the term when discussing the preservation of cells or vaccines. The nuance of reitō suru implies a state of suspended animation—stopping time for the object in question. It is often contrasted with reizō suru (to refrigerate/chill), which only slows down spoilage without turning the item into a solid block of ice. Understanding the threshold between these two is vital for proper food safety and culinary quality. When you use this word, you are describing a proactive step toward preservation.

Kanji Breakdown: 冷 (Rei) means cold or chilly, while 凍 (Tō) means to freeze or congeal. Together, they form the concept of cold-induced solidification.

この肉は、新鮮なうちに冷凍しておきましょう。(Let's freeze this meat while it is still fresh.)

The cultural context of reitō suru in Japan involves a high standard for quality. Japanese freezers often feature 'quick freeze' (kyūsuoku reitō) functions designed to minimize ice crystal formation, which preserves the texture of delicate foods like sashimi. Therefore, when a Japanese speaker says they are going to reitō suru something, they are often thinking about the precise method to ensure it tastes 'fresh' once thawed. This meticulous approach to freezing is a hallmark of Japanese domestic life and industrial food technology. Whether you are a student meal-prepping for the week or a logistics manager, this verb is your tool for managing time and resources through temperature control.

Using 冷凍する correctly requires an understanding of its transitive nature. In Japanese grammar, you act upon an object. The most common structure is [Object] + [Particle を] + [冷凍する]. For example, 'Sakana o reitō suru' (I freeze the fish). Because it is a suru-verb, it is highly versatile and can be used in various forms: reitō shite iru (is currently frozen/in the freezer), reitō shita (froze/did freeze), and reitō shinai (do not freeze). It is also frequently paired with auxiliary verbs like ~te oku (to do in advance for future use), resulting in reitō shite oku, a very natural phrase for meal prepping.

Common Object Pairs: Common objects include ご飯 (rice), 肉 (meat), 野菜 (vegetables), 作り置き (pre-made meals), and 血液 (blood) in medical contexts.

大量に買ったパンを冷凍して、毎日少しずつ食べます。(I freeze the bread I bought in bulk and eat it little by little every day.)

When discussing the state of an item, you might use the passive form reitō sarete iru (is frozen). For instance, 'Kono yasai wa reitō sarete imasu' (These vegetables are frozen). In commercial settings, you will see the noun form reitō used as a prefix, such as reitō-shitsu (freezer compartment) or reitō-ko (freezer unit). If you are giving instructions, the imperative reitō shite kudasai is standard. In more formal or technical writing, you might see tōketsu suru, but for 95% of daily situations involving food and household items, reitō suru is the correct and most natural choice. It conveys a sense of utility and domestic efficiency.

Polite vs. Casual: Polite: 冷凍します (reitō shimasu). Casual: 冷凍する (reitō suru). Potential: 冷凍できる (can freeze).

このスープは冷凍しても味が落ちません。(Even if you freeze this soup, the flavor won't degrade.)

Advanced users should also be aware of the phrase shunkan reitō (flash freezing). This is a popular marketing term and a feature on high-end appliances. Using it as a verb, shunkan reitō suru, implies an even higher level of care for the food's quality. In the context of a conversation about busy lifestyles, you might hear 'reitō-shoku ni tayoru' (relying on frozen food). Understanding how to conjugate reitō suru allows you to participate in conversations about cooking, budgeting, and modern Japanese convenience. It is a workhorse verb that bridges the gap between simple kitchen tasks and industrial-scale logistics.

You will encounter 冷凍する in a variety of real-world environments in Japan, from the aisles of a supermarket to the script of a popular cooking show. In the supermarket, the 'reitō shokuhin' (frozen food) section is vast. You'll hear announcements about new frozen products or see labels instructing you on how to store items: 'Kanarazu reitō shite kudasai' (Please be sure to freeze). This is particularly common for items like gyoza, fried rice, and even frozen noodles which are staples of the Japanese diet. The word is ubiquitous in the context of 'bento' (lunch box) preparation, where many people use frozen ingredients to save time in the morning.

Daily Conversations: Families often discuss which leftovers to 'reitō suru' after dinner. It's a key part of the 'mottainai' (waste not, want not) culture.

「これ、冷凍しておけば一ヶ月は持つよ。」("If you freeze this, it'll last for a month.")

On television, 'reitō jutsu' (freezing techniques) is a frequent topic on lifestyle programs and variety shows. Experts share tips on how to freeze onions to make them sweeter or how to freeze tofu to change its texture. These programs often use the verb reitō suru repeatedly as they demonstrate the process. In the world of social media, Japanese 'home hackers' post videos on Instagram and YouTube about 'reitō cho-kin' (freezing savings), which refers to the practice of freezing food to reduce grocery bills. The word has even entered the realm of science fiction and animation, where 'reitō suimin' (cryogenic sleep or cold sleep) is a common trope for long-distance space travel.

Professional Settings: In restaurants, chefs discuss 'reitō-yake' (freezer burn) and how to avoid it by properly 'reitō suru'-ing their stock.

このマグロは船の上ですぐに冷凍されました。(This tuna was frozen immediately on the ship.)

Finally, you will hear this word during medical check-ups or in pharmacies when discussing the storage of certain medications or biological samples. The verb is clinical and precise in these settings. Whether it's a casual remark between roommates about a half-eaten pizza or a formal report on the logistics of the fishing industry, reitō suru is the go-to term. Its frequency in daily life makes it a high-priority word for learners reaching the B1 level, as it touches upon food, economy, and modern technology—three pillars of Japanese society.

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make when using 冷凍する is confusing it with the intransitive verb kooru (to freeze). In English, 'freeze' can be both transitive ('I freeze the meat') and intransitive ('The water freezes'). In Japanese, these are strictly separated. You cannot say 'Mizu ga reitō suru' to mean 'The water is freezing into ice' in a natural context; you must use 'Mizu ga kooru'. Conversely, 'Niku o kooru' is grammatically incorrect because kooru doesn't take an object. You must use reitō suru or the causative kooraseru to indicate that you are the one doing the freezing.

Confusing Reitō with Reizō: Reitō (冷凍) = Freezing (below 0°C). Reizō (冷蔵) = Refrigerating (approx. 1-5°C). Mixing these up can lead to spoiled food or rock-hard milk!

❌ 湖が冷凍しました。
✅ 湖が凍りました。(The lake froze.)

Another common mistake is applying reitō suru to people or emotions in a metaphorical sense, as one might do in English ('He froze in fear'). In Japanese, reitō suru is almost exclusively physical and technical. To say someone froze in place, you would use tachisukumu or katamaru (to harden/stiffen). Using reitō suru here would sound like the person was literally put into a freezer. Additionally, learners often forget that reitō is a noun that needs suru to become a verb. Saying 'Niku o reitō' without the 'shimasu' or 'suru' is incomplete and sounds like 'I meat freeze.'

Particle Errors: Using 'ni' instead of 'o'. It's 'Niku o reitō suru', not 'Niku ni reitō suru'.

❌ 怖くて冷凍しました。
✅ 怖くて固まりました。(I froze/stiffened with fear.)

Lastly, be careful with the word hiyasu (to cool). If you want to make a beer cold, you hiyasu it. If you reitō suru a beer, the bottle might explode as the liquid expands into ice. Japanese speakers are very specific about the degree of coldness. Using the wrong verb can imply a completely different temperature range. Always ask yourself: 'Am I turning this into ice for preservation (reitō), or just making it cold to eat/drink (hiyasu)?' Mastering these distinctions will make your Japanese sound far more natural and precise.

While 冷凍する is the most common way to say 'to freeze' in a functional sense, several synonyms and related terms exist, each with its own specific nuance. Understanding these will help you choose the right word for the right situation. The most prominent alternative is 凍らせる (kooraseru). This is the causative form of kooru (to freeze). While reitō suru sounds more technical and is often used for food preservation, kooraseru is more general. You might 'kooraseru' water to make ice cubes, whereas you 'reitō suru' leftovers. Kooraseru feels slightly more 'natural' or 'physical' than the 'processed' feel of reitō suru.

Reitō vs. Tōketsu: Reitō (冷凍) is for food and household items. Tōketsu (凍結) is for industrial, financial (frozen accounts), or scientific contexts.

銀行口座が凍結されました。(The bank account was frozen.)

Another related term is 冷蔵する (reizō suru). As mentioned before, this means to refrigerate. In a Japanese kitchen, you are constantly choosing between the 'reitō-shitsu' (freezer) and the 'reizō-shitsu' (fridge). There is also チルド (chirudo), which refers to 'chilled' storage, usually just above the freezing point. For a more poetic or weather-related 'freeze', you might see 凍り付く (kooritsuku), which means 'to freeze over' or 'to be frozen solid', often used for roads or windows in winter. If you are talking about the cooling of emotions, 冷え込む (hiekomu) is used when the atmosphere gets chilly, both literally and figuratively.

Summary Table

冷凍する: Deliberate freezing for preservation (Food).
凍らせる: Making something turn into ice (General).
凍結する: Formal/Technical/Financial freezing.
冷蔵する: Refrigerating (not freezing).

ジュースを凍らせてシャーベットにしました。(I froze the juice and made it into sherbet.)

In summary, while reitō suru is your primary verb for the freezer, keep kooraseru in your pocket for general 'making things ice' and tōketsu for abstract or high-level technical freezing. By choosing the specific word, you demonstrate a deeper understanding of Japanese nuance and the importance of temperature in Japanese culture and industry. This precision is what separates a basic learner from an intermediate speaker.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

While the kanji for 'Rei' (冷) is also used in 'Tsumetai' (cold to touch), the verb 'Reitō suru' only became common with the advent of mechanical refrigeration in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /reɪtoʊ suːruː/

US /reɪtoʊ suːruː/

The pitch accent is typically 'Atamadaka' (Type 1) for 'Reitō', meaning the first syllable is high and the rest drop.

Rhymes With

Seitō (正当 - legitimate) Meitō (名刀 - famous sword) Keitō (系統 - system) Teitō (抵当 - mortgage) Heitō (閉廷 - adjournment) Seitō (政党 - political party) Keitō (傾倒 - devotion) Teitō (低頭 - bowing low)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'Rei' as 'Lee'. It should be 'Ray'.
Shortening the long 'ō' in 'tō'. It must be 'Rei-tō', not 'Rei-to'.
Using a hard English 'R'. The Japanese 'R' is closer to a 'D' or 'L'.
Mumbling the 'u' in 'suru'. It should be a short, unrounded 'u'.
Confusing the pitch accent with 'reitō' (cold tower), which is rare but has a different pitch.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The kanji 冷 and 凍 are standard N3 level characters, fairly easy to recognize.

Writing 4/5

Writing '凍' requires attention to the radicals (ice radical on the left).

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward, but don't forget the long 'ō'.

Listening 2/5

Easily distinguishable due to the unique 'reitō' sound.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

冷たい (Tsumetai) 氷 (Koori) する (Suru) 肉 (Niku) ご飯 (Gohan)

Learn Next

解凍する (Kaitō suru) 冷蔵する (Reizō suru) 保存する (Hozon suru) 腐る (Kusaru) 新鮮な (Shinsen na)

Advanced

凍結 (Tōketsu) 凝固 (Gyōko) 過冷却 (Karyyaku) 冷媒 (Reibai) 低温物理学 (Teion butsurigaku)

Grammar to Know

Suru-verbs

勉強する、冷凍する、散歩する。

Transitive vs. Intransitive

冷凍する (transitive) vs 凍る (intransitive).

~te oku (Preparation)

冷凍しておく (freeze it for later).

~te aru (Resultant state)

冷凍してある (it has been frozen).

~ta mama (Staying in a state)

冷凍したまま (while frozen).

Examples by Level

パンを冷凍します。

I freeze the bread.

Simple present tense of a suru-verb.

肉を冷凍してください。

Please freeze the meat.

Using the ~te kudasai form for a request.

これは冷凍できますか？

Can I freeze this?

Potential form 'dekiru'.

ご飯を冷凍しました。

I froze the rice.

Past tense 'shimashita'.

魚を冷凍しましょう。

Let's freeze the fish.

Volitional form 'shimashō'.

冷凍しないでください。

Please do not freeze it.

Negative request '~nai de kudasai'.

冷凍するパンはこれです。

This is the bread to be frozen.

Noun modification using the dictionary form.

毎日、冷凍したご飯を食べます。

I eat frozen rice every day.

Using the past tense as an adjective.

余ったカレーを冷凍しておきます。

I will freeze the leftover curry for later.

The auxiliary verb '~te oku' indicates doing something in preparation.

野菜を細かく切ってから冷凍します。

I freeze the vegetables after cutting them into small pieces.

Sequence of actions using '~te kara'.

冷凍すると、長持ちしますよ。

If you freeze it, it will last a long time.

Conditional '~to' meaning 'if/when'.

このイチゴは冷凍してあります。

These strawberries have been frozen.

'~te aru' shows a state resulting from an action.

冷凍する前に、ラップで包みます。

Wrap it in plastic wrap before freezing.

Using 'mae ni' (before) with the dictionary form.

冷凍したほうがいいですか？

Is it better to freeze it?

'~ta hō ga ii' for giving or asking for advice.

冷凍すれば、一ヶ月は大丈夫です。

If you freeze it, it'll be fine for a month.

Conditional '~ba' form.

冷凍室にアイスを入れました。

I put the ice cream in the freezer compartment.

Using the noun 'reitō-shitsu'.

作り置きのおかずを冷凍して、平日の料理を楽にします。

I freeze pre-made side dishes to make weekday cooking easier.

Using the '~te' form to connect sentences showing purpose.

安い時にたくさん買って冷凍するのが節約のコツです。

Buying a lot when it's cheap and freezing it is the secret to saving money.

Nominalizing the verb with 'no' to make it a subject.

一度解凍したものを再び冷凍するのは避けてください。

Please avoid re-freezing something that has been thawed once.

Using 'saibi' (again) and 'sakeru' (avoid).

この技術で、細胞を傷つけずに冷凍することが可能になりました。

With this technology, it has become possible to freeze cells without damaging them.

Formal structure '~koto ga kanō ni narimashita'.

冷凍した肉を解凍する時は、冷蔵庫に移すといいですよ。

When thawing frozen meat, it's good to move it to the refrigerator.

Using 'toki' (when) and advice '~to ii desu yo'.

最近の冷凍食品は、冷凍しているとは思えないほど美味しいです。

Recent frozen foods are so delicious you wouldn't believe they're frozen.

The structure '~to wa omoenai hodo' (so much that you can't believe...).

空気を抜いてから冷凍すると、冷凍焼けを防げます。

If you freeze it after removing the air, you can prevent freezer burn.

Potential verb 'fusegeru' (can prevent).

旬の果物を冷凍しておけば、一年中楽しめます。

If you freeze seasonal fruits, you can enjoy them all year round.

Combining '~te oku' with '~ba' conditional.

鮮度を保つために、収穫後すぐに瞬間冷凍されます。

To maintain freshness, they are flash-frozen immediately after harvest.

Passive voice 'reitō saremasu' combined with 'tame ni' (for the purpose of).

物流業界において、商品を冷凍したまま運ぶ技術は不可欠です。

In the logistics industry, the technology to transport products while frozen is indispensable.

'~ta mama' (while in the state of) and formal 'fukaketsu' (indispensable).

冷凍保存の期間が長すぎると、品質が劣化する恐れがあります。

If the freezing storage period is too long, there is a risk that the quality will deteriorate.

'~osore ga aru' (there is a fear/risk that...).

この装置は、マイナス60度で急速に冷凍する能力を持っています。

This device has the ability to rapidly freeze at minus 60 degrees.

Formal noun modification 'reitō suru nōryoku'.

血液サンプルを冷凍する際は、厳重な管理が求められます。

When freezing blood samples, strict management is required.

'~sai wa' is a formal version of '~toki'.

冷凍することで、寄生虫を死滅させることができます。

By freezing, it is possible to kill off parasites.

Using 'suru koto de' to indicate a method or means.

市場には、家庭で手軽に冷凍できる専用の容器が溢れています。

The market is flooded with specialized containers that allow for easy freezing at home.

Relative clause modifying 'yōki' (containers).

冷凍技術の進歩により、遠方の食材も新鮮な状態で届くようになりました。

Thanks to advances in freezing technology, ingredients from far away now arrive in a fresh state.

'~ni yori' (due to) and '~yō ni naru' (to reach the point where...).

食材の細胞膜を破壊せずに冷凍することが、美味しさを維持する鍵となります。

Freezing without destroying the cell membranes of the ingredients is the key to maintaining deliciousness.

Complex nominalized subject 'reitō suru koto ga'.

この論文は、極低温で生物を冷凍する際の物理的変化を考察しています。

This paper examines the physical changes that occur when freezing organisms at cryogenic temperatures.

Academic register using 'kōsatsu suru' (examine/consider).

高度な物流ネットワークが、冷凍食品の安定供給を支えています。

A sophisticated logistics network supports the stable supply of frozen foods.

Using 'antei kyūkyū' (stable supply) and 'sasaeru' (support).

伝統的な保存法に代わり、現代では冷凍することが一般的になりました。

Instead of traditional preservation methods, freezing has become common in modern times.

'~ni kawari' (instead of/in place of).

特定のウイルスを研究するため、検体をマイナス80度で冷凍保存しています。

To study specific viruses, specimens are kept frozen at minus 80 degrees.

Combining 'reitō' and 'hozon' into a compound noun/verb.

過冷却の状態から一気に冷凍する現象は、科学的に非常に興味深いです。

The phenomenon of freezing all at once from a supercooled state is scientifically very interesting.

Using 'karyyaku' (supercooling) and 'genshō' (phenomenon).

企業の不祥事により、資産が一時的に冷凍（凍結）される事態となった。

Due to corporate misconduct, a situation arose where assets were temporarily frozen.

Using 'reitō' in a metaphorical/financial sense (though 'tōketsu' is more common).

冷凍することの経済的メリットは、廃棄ロスの削減に直結します。

The economic merit of freezing is directly linked to the reduction of waste loss.

'~ni chokketsu suru' (to be directly linked to).

人類の長距離宇宙航行において、人体を冷凍する技術の実用化が待望されている。

For long-distance human space flight, the practical application of technology to freeze the human body is eagerly awaited.

Highly formal 'jitsuyōka' (practical application) and 'taibō sarete iru' (eagerly awaited).

冷凍というプロセスが、グローバルな食料需給の不均衡を是正する一助となっている。

The process of freezing is helping to correct the imbalance in global food supply and demand.

Complex abstract nouns like 'fukinkō' (imbalance) and 'zesei suru' (correct).

極地探検において、装備や食料をいかに効率よく冷凍・維持するかが生死を分ける。

In polar exploration, how efficiently one freezes and maintains equipment and food can mean the difference between life and death.

'~ka ga seishi o wakeru' (whether... determines life or death).

細胞レベルでの損傷を極限まで抑えて冷凍する技術は、再生医療の根幹を成す。

Technology that freezes while suppressing damage at the cellular level to the utmost limit forms the basis of regenerative medicine.

'~no konkan o nasu' (to form the basis of).

かつては贅沢品であった冷凍技術が、今や文明社会のインフラとして定着している。

Freezing technology, once a luxury, has now become established as an infrastructure of civilized society.

'~to shite teichaku shite iru' (has become established as).

環境負荷を最小限に抑えつつ、効率的に冷凍する次世代型の冷媒が開発中である。

Next-generation refrigerants that freeze efficiently while minimizing environmental impact are under development.

'~tsutsu' (while simultaneously) and 'saisedai-gata' (next-generation type).

冷凍することによって生じる物理的な相転移のメカニズムは、依然として多くの謎を秘めている。

The mechanism of physical phase transitions caused by freezing still hides many mysteries.

'~ni yotte shōjiru' (arising from) and 'nazo o himete iru' (hiding mysteries).

食文化の多様化に伴い、あらゆる食材を最適に冷凍するノウハウが蓄積されている。

Along with the diversification of food culture, know-how on optimally freezing all kinds of ingredients is being accumulated.

'~ni toomonai' (along with) and 'chikuseki sarete iru' (being accumulated).

Common Collocations

ご飯を冷凍する

急速に冷凍する

小分けにして冷凍する

冷凍して保存する

瞬間冷凍する

冷凍する習慣

冷凍するのを忘れる

冷凍することができる

冷凍する価値がある

一気に冷凍する

Common Phrases

冷凍しておけば大丈夫

— It will be fine if you freeze it. Used to reassure someone about food longevity.

賞味期限が近くても、冷凍しておけば大丈夫だよ。

冷凍する手間

— The effort/hassle of freezing. Refers to the work required to prep and freeze.

冷凍する手間を惜しまないことが節約への道だ。

冷凍するコツ

— The trick/secret to freezing correctly.

美味しいご飯を冷凍するコツを教えます。

冷凍するタイミング

— The timing for freezing (e.g., while fresh).

肉を冷凍するタイミングは購入直後がベストです。

冷凍する場所

— The place to freeze (usually the freezer drawer).

冷凍する場所がないほど冷蔵庫がいっぱいだ。

冷凍する温度

— The temperature at which to freeze.

マイナス18度以下で冷凍するのが一般的です。

冷凍する期間

— The period for which something is kept frozen.

冷凍する期間は一ヶ月を目安にしてください。

冷凍する対象

— The target/item being frozen.

冷凍する対象によって、包み方を変えます。

冷凍するメリット

— The benefits of freezing.

野菜を冷凍するメリットは、時短調理にあります。

冷凍する準備

— Preparation for freezing.

冷凍する準備として、まずは水気を拭き取ります。

Often Confused With

冷凍する vs 凍る (Kooru)

Kooru is intransitive (something freezes by itself). Reitō suru is transitive (you freeze something).

冷凍する vs 冷蔵する (Reizō suru)

Reizō is refrigerating (chilling). Reitō is freezing solid.

冷凍する vs 冷やす (Hiyasu)

Hiyasu is just making something cold (like a drink), not freezing it.

Idioms & Expressions

"思考が冷凍する"

— One's thoughts freeze up (metaphorical, though 'stop' or 'harden' is more common).

あまりのショックに、思考が一時的に冷凍したようになった。

Literary

"冷凍人間"

— A 'frozen person', referring to someone in cryogenic sleep in sci-fi.

SF映画にはよく冷凍人間が登場する。

Informal/Sci-fi

"冷凍保存の記憶"

— Frozen memories; memories that haven't changed over time.

彼の中では、故郷の景色が冷凍保存されたように残っている。

Poetic

"心を冷凍する"

— To freeze one's heart; to become emotionless.

辛い現実に耐えるため、彼女は自分の心を冷凍した。

Poetic

"冷凍都市"

— A 'frozen city', usually describing a city during a massive blizzard.

大寒波に襲われ、街はまるで冷凍都市のようになった。

Journalistic

"冷凍の微笑み"

— A 'frozen smile'; a stiff or fake smile.

彼女は冷凍の微笑みを浮かべて挨拶した。

Literary

"冷凍庫のような部屋"

— A room like a freezer; a very cold room.

暖房が壊れて、部屋が冷凍庫のようだ。

Colloquial

"冷凍パックの人生"

— A 'frozen pack life'; a life that is pre-packaged or lacks freshness.

毎日同じことの繰り返しで、冷凍パックのような人生だ。

Metaphorical

"冷凍睡眠"

— Cold sleep / Cryosleep.

宇宙飛行士は冷凍睡眠に入った。

Sci-fi

"冷凍みかん"

— Frozen mandarin oranges (a classic Japanese snack).

電車の中で食べる冷凍みかんは最高だ。

Cultural

Easily Confused

冷凍する vs 凍結する (Tōketsu suru)

Both mean 'to freeze'.

Tōketsu is more formal/technical or used for abstract things like 'frozen accounts'. Reitō is specifically for food/household preservation.

資産を凍結する (Freeze assets) vs 魚を冷凍する (Freeze fish).

冷凍する vs 凍らせる (Kooraseru)

Both are transitive 'to freeze'.

Kooraseru is general (making ice). Reitō suru implies the purpose of preservation.

氷を凍らせる (Freeze ice) vs ご飯を冷凍する (Freeze rice).

Sentence Patterns

[Object] を冷凍します。

パンを冷凍します。

[Object] を冷凍してください。

お肉を冷凍してください。

[Object] を冷凍しておきます。

カレーを冷凍しておきます。

[Object] は冷凍できますか？

この野菜は冷凍できますか？

冷凍した [Noun] を [Verb]。

冷凍したご飯を温めます。

〜ために、[Object] を冷凍する。

保存するために、魚を冷凍する。

冷凍することによって、〜。

冷凍することによって、鮮度を保ちます。

〜を冷凍保存する事態になる。

資産を冷凍保存する事態になった。

Word Family

Nouns

冷凍 (Reitō) - Freezing/Refrigeration

冷凍庫 (Reitō-ko) - Freezer

冷凍食品 (Reitō shokuhin) - Frozen food

冷凍室 (Reitō-shitsu) - Freezer compartment

Verbs

冷凍する (Reitō suru) - To freeze (transitive)

冷凍される (Reitō sareru) - To be frozen (passive)

冷凍できる (Reitō dekiru) - Can freeze (potential)

Adjectives

冷凍の (Reitō no) - Frozen (adjectival noun)

冷凍された (Reitō sareta) - Frozen (past participle usage)

解凍 (Kaitō) - Thawing

冷蔵 (Reizō) - Refrigeration

凍結 (Tōketsu) - Freezing (formal)

氷 (Koori) - Ice

凍る (Kooru) - To freeze (intransitive)

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in daily domestic and commercial life.

Common Mistakes

Using 'kooru' for food preservation. → Reitō suru.
Kooru is intransitive and natural; reitō suru is transitive and intentional.
Confusing 'reitō' and 'reizō'. → Reitō for freezing, Reizō for chilling.
Mixing these up leads to the wrong storage temperature.
Saying 'Niku ni reitō suru'. → Niku o reitō suru.
The particle 'o' is required for the direct object.
Pronouncing it 'reito' (short o). → Reitō (long o).
The long vowel is essential for correct Japanese pronunciation.
Using 'reitō suru' for 'my computer froze'. → Furiizu suru or katamaru.
Reitō suru is strictly for temperature-based freezing.

Tips

Particle Choice

Always use the 'o' particle with 'reitō suru' because it is a transitive action you perform on an object.

Food Prep

Learn '小分けにする' (kowake ni suru - to divide into portions) as it is always used with 'reitō suru'.

Bento Tips

Many Japanese frozen foods are 'shizen kaitō' (natural thaw), meaning they thaw by lunchtime without heating.

Ice Radical

The left side of 凍 is the 'ice' radical (two dots), which helps you remember it's related to cold.

Long Vowels

Don't forget the 'u' at the end of 'reitō' (pronounced as a long 'o'). It's 'reitō', not 'reito'.

Bagging

Supermarkets often have dry ice machines near the exit specifically for your 'reitō' items.

Re-freezing

Avoid 'saibi-reitō' (re-freezing) thawed food to maintain quality and safety.

Industrial Use

In business, use 'reitō-mō' to describe the 'cold chain' logistics network.

Ray-Toe

Ray's Toe is frozen. REI-TO. Simple and effective.

Not Kooru

Remember: You 'reitō' food, but the lake 'kooru'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Ray' (Rei) the 'Toe' (Tō). Ray put his big toe in the freezer to keep it cold. Ray-Toe-Suru!

Visual Association

Imagine a giant block of ice with the word 'REI' and 'TO' glowing inside it, sitting in your kitchen freezer.

Word Web

Freezer (Reitōko) Meat (Niku) Ice (Koori) Preservation (Hozon) Thawing (Kaitō) Cold (Tsumetai) Frozen Food (Reitō Shokuhin) Stop (Tomaru)

Challenge

Try to find 5 items in your kitchen right now that you could 'reitō suru' and say their names in Japanese followed by 'o reitō shimasu'.

Word Origin

The word is a Sino-Japanese compound (Kango). 'Rei' (冷) comes from Middle Chinese /leŋX/ meaning cold, and 'Tō' (凍) comes from /tuŋH/ meaning to freeze.

Original meaning: The combination literally means 'cold-freeze', referring to the state of being solidified by cold temperatures.

Sino-Japanese (Kango)

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but avoid using 'reitō suru' when talking about people unless it's a science fiction context, as it can sound morbid.

In English, we often say 'stick it in the freezer'. In Japanese, 'reitō suru' is the standard, polite, and common way to express this action.

Reitō Mikan (song by Gachapin & Mukku) - A famous children's song about frozen mandarins. Frozen (Disney movie) - Known as 'Anna to Yuki no Joō' in Japan, though 'reitō' isn't in the title, the concept of freezing is central. Reitō-ko (The Freezer) - A common element in Japanese horror stories or mystery novels as a place to hide evidence.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At Home / Kitchen

残ったご飯を冷凍する。
冷凍庫に入れておいて。
これ、冷凍できる？
冷凍する前に小分けにする。

Supermarket

冷凍食品はどこですか？
冷凍が必要な商品はありますか？
ドライアイスで冷凍を保つ。
冷凍コーナーはあちらです。

Cooking Show / Recipe

急速冷凍するのがコツです。
冷凍したまま調理できます。
解凍してからお使いください。
冷凍保存で一ヶ月持ちます。

Science / Medical Lab

サンプルを直ちに冷凍する。
冷凍温度を確認してください。
細胞を冷凍保存する技術。
冷凍による変質を防ぐ。

Logistics / Business

冷凍便で送ります。
冷凍倉庫の管理。
冷凍コストの削減。
商品を冷凍状態で維持する。

Conversation Starters

"余ったご飯はどうしていますか？冷凍しますか？"

"おすすめの冷凍食品はありますか？"

"何でも冷凍するタイプですか、それとも新鮮なうちに食べきりますか？"

"冷凍した肉を解凍する時、どういう方法を使いますか？"

"最近の冷蔵庫の冷凍機能についてどう思いますか？"

Journal Prompts

今日、何を冷凍しましたか？その理由も書いてください。

冷凍食品に助けられた経験はありますか？

もし一ヶ月間、冷凍食品だけで生活しなければならなかったらどうしますか？

あなたの国と日本の『冷凍文化』の違いについて考えてみてください。

『冷凍保存』しておきたい大切な思い出はありますか？

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Usually, for making ice cubes, people say 'koori o tsukuru'. 'Reitō suru' is for preserving items like food.

The opposite is 'kaitō suru' (to thaw/defrost).

Yes, it is extremely common and high quality. Most supermarkets have a large section for it.

No, you should say 'mizu ga kooru' (the water freezes naturally).

It is 'reitō-ko' (冷凍庫).

It means 'flash freezing' or 'instant freezing', a feature of high-end fridges.

Only in sci-fi (reitō suimin). In real life, it sounds like you are putting them in a kitchen freezer.

It is a noun that becomes a verb when you add 'suru'.

Usually, people say 'ikkagetsu' (one month) for home-frozen food.

It means 'freezer burn', which happens when food isn't wrapped well.