It describes the physical state of becoming unwell specifically due to exposure to cold.
Word in 30 Seconds
- To catch a cold due to exposure to cold.
- Used to describe feeling unwell from cold weather.
- Commonly used in daily life to express illness.
Overview
- 1概述：着凉是一个非常典型的汉语动词，由“着”（表示状态的持续或结果）和“凉”（指寒冷）组成。它不仅仅指医学上的“感冒”，更多强调的是“受寒”这一过程或状态。2) 用法模式：着凉通常作为不及物动词使用，后面常接“了”表示动作完成。例如：“我着凉了”。如果想表达因为什么原因着凉，可以使用“因为……而着凉”的句式。3) 常见语境：最常出现在日常对话中，比如提醒别人多穿衣服，或者解释自己身体不舒服的原因。例如，在空调房待太久、晚上睡觉没盖好被子、淋雨后，都可以说“着凉了”。4) 近义词辨析：“感冒”通常指病毒引起的呼吸道感染，而“着凉”侧重于受寒这一诱因。有时候“着凉”是“感冒”的前兆，即受寒后引发了感冒症状。
Examples
晚上睡觉没盖好被子，小心着凉。
everydayBe careful not to catch a cold by not covering yourself well while sleeping.
由于室内外温差大，许多职员出现了着凉的症状。
formalDue to the large temperature difference between indoors and outdoors, many employees showed symptoms of catching a cold.
我昨天吹了一整天空调，好像着凉了。
informalI sat in the air conditioning all day yesterday and I think I caught a cold.
气温骤降可能导致身体着凉，进而诱发免疫系统反应。
academicA sudden drop in temperature can lead to catching a cold, which in turn triggers an immune system response.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
别着凉了
Don't catch a cold.
好像着凉了
Seems like I caught a cold.
Often Confused With
感冒 refers specifically to the illness (common cold/flu) caused by viruses, while 着凉 refers to the act of catching a cold due to cold temperature.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word is primarily used in spoken Chinese. It is appropriate for friends, family, and colleagues. It is not used in formal medical documents as a diagnosis, where '感冒' or '上呼吸道感染' is preferred.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use '着凉' as a noun, but it is a verb. Do not say '我有着凉', instead say '我着凉了'. Also, do not confuse it with '中暑', which is getting heatstroke.
Tips
Use it to explain sudden illness
When you feel sick after being in a cold environment, use '着凉' to explain the cause to friends or family.
Do not confuse with general fever
着凉 refers to the cause (cold exposure), not necessarily the symptom (fever). Be specific if you have other symptoms.
Emphasis on warmth in Chinese culture
Chinese health culture places high importance on avoiding cold (especially for the stomach and feet). '着凉' is a frequent warning from elders.
Word Origin
The word comes from the verb '着' (to be affected by) and '凉' (cold). It reflects the traditional Chinese medicine belief that environmental cold is a primary cause of illness.
Cultural Context
In Chinese culture, keeping the body warm is considered vital for health. '着凉' is a very common concern, especially regarding protecting the stomach and feet, reflecting the importance of balance in TCM.
Memory Tip
Think of '着' as 'getting' and '凉' as 'cold'. Putting them together means 'getting cold'.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions着凉侧重于受寒的原因，而感冒侧重于呼吸道感染的疾病状态。通常着凉后身体抵抗力下降，容易引发感冒。
你可以说“晚上睡觉别踢被子，不然会着凉”或者“我今天淋了雨，可能着凉了”。
通常建议多喝热水、注意保暖、保证充足的休息。如果症状加重，建议及时就医。
它属于中性偏口语的词汇，在日常交流中非常自然，但在极其正式的医学诊断报告中，通常会使用“感冒”或“受寒”。
Test Yourself
晚上睡觉不盖被子很容易___。
根据上下文，睡觉不盖被子会导致受寒，应使用“着凉”。
他今天没来上班，是因为昨天淋雨___。
“淋雨”是典型的受寒原因，用“着凉”最符合因果逻辑。
空调/开得/太低/着凉/了/我
标准的因果关系句式，主语在前，原因在中间。
Score: /3
Summary
It describes the physical state of becoming unwell specifically due to exposure to cold.
- To catch a cold due to exposure to cold.
- Used to describe feeling unwell from cold weather.
- Commonly used in daily life to express illness.
Use it to explain sudden illness
When you feel sick after being in a cold environment, use '着凉' to explain the cause to friends or family.
Do not confuse with general fever
着凉 refers to the cause (cold exposure), not necessarily the symptom (fever). Be specific if you have other symptoms.
Emphasis on warmth in Chinese culture
Chinese health culture places high importance on avoiding cold (especially for the stomach and feet). '着凉' is a frequent warning from elders.
Examples
4 of 4晚上睡觉没盖好被子，小心着凉。
Be careful not to catch a cold by not covering yourself well while sleeping.
由于室内外温差大，许多职员出现了着凉的症状。
Due to the large temperature difference between indoors and outdoors, many employees showed symptoms of catching a cold.
我昨天吹了一整天空调，好像着凉了。
I sat in the air conditioning all day yesterday and I think I caught a cold.
气温骤降可能导致身体着凉，进而诱发免疫系统反应。
A sudden drop in temperature can lead to catching a cold, which in turn triggers an immune system response.
