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A2 noun 9 min de leitura

れいぞうこ

reizoko

Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas れいぞうこ em 30 segundos

Explicação れいぞうこ in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know that 'reizōko' means 'refrigerator'. You should be able to use it with simple particles like 'ni' (in) and basic verbs like 'arimasu' (there is). For example, 'Reizōko ni ringo ga arimasu' (There is an apple in the fridge). Focus on recognizing the word when you hear it in a kitchen context and being able to point to the appliance. You don't need to worry about the kanji yet; learning it in hiragana (れいぞうこ) is perfectly fine. The goal is survival communication: knowing where to find food and where to put the milk back.

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At the A2 level, you should be able to use 'reizōko' in more descriptive sentences and understand basic instructions. You should learn the kanji '冷蔵庫' and recognize its components. You can now use verbs like 'ireru' (to put in) and 'dasu' (to take out). You should also be able to describe the fridge using simple adjectives like 'ookii' (big) or 'furui' (old). You might talk about your daily routine, such as 'Asa, reizōko kara tamago o dashimasu' (In the morning, I take eggs out of the fridge). You should also be aware of the word 'reitōko' (freezer) to avoid confusion.

At the B1 level, you can handle more complex situations involving the refrigerator. You might discuss buying a new one, comparing energy efficiency, or explaining a problem to a repair person ('Reizōko ga hienai' - The fridge isn't cooling). You can use the word in the context of cooking recipes, understanding phrases like 'reizōko de hiyasu' (chill in the fridge). You should also be comfortable with compound words like 'reizōko-shitsu' (refrigerator compartment). You can describe your preferences for kitchen appliances and talk about how you organize your food storage.

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At the B2 level, you can discuss the refrigerator in broader social and environmental contexts. You might talk about 'shō-ene' (energy saving) technology in modern Japanese appliances or the impact of 'reizōko' on food waste reduction. You can understand more technical descriptions in manuals or advertisements. You should be able to use idiomatic expressions or more formal vocabulary related to food preservation. You can also participate in discussions about smart-home integration and how IoT (Internet of Things) is changing the way people interact with their 'reizōko'.

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At the C1 level, you have a nuanced understanding of 'reizōko' in various registers. You can read and understand technical specifications, environmental regulations regarding refrigerants (like CFCs), and the history of how the introduction of the refrigerator changed the Japanese diet and urban planning. You can use the word fluently in professional settings, such as in the hospitality industry or appliance manufacturing. You are aware of the cultural significance of the 'reizōko' as a symbol of the middle-class lifestyle in post-war Japan and can discuss its sociological implications.

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At the C2 level, your command of the word and its context is native-like. You can appreciate literary uses of the 'reizōko' as a metaphor for coldness, preservation, or domesticity. You can follow high-level academic discussions on the thermodynamics of refrigeration or the economic trends of the white goods market in Asia. You can switch between formal technical terms and colloquial slang effortlessly. Your understanding includes the most obscure compound words and the historical etymology of each kanji character, allowing you to discuss the word's evolution over the last century.

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Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas

れいぞうこ em 30 segundos

Reizōko means refrigerator, a core appliance for food preservation in Japan.
The word consists of kanji for cold (冷), storage (蔵), and warehouse (庫).
It is a neutral, everyday noun used in all levels of Japanese society.
Commonly paired with particles 'ni' (in) and 'kara' (from) and the verb 'ireru' (put).

The word れいぞうこ (written in kanji as 冷蔵庫) is the standard Japanese term for a refrigerator. This ubiquitous household appliance is a cornerstone of modern Japanese life, serving as the primary hub for food preservation and kitchen organization. To understand the word deeply, we can break down its three kanji characters: 冷 (rei) meaning 'cold' or 'to chill,' 蔵 (zō) meaning 'to store' or 'to possess,' and 庫 (ko) meaning 'warehouse' or 'storage room.' Together, they literally describe a 'cold storage warehouse' for the home.

Daily Life Usage: In a typical Japanese household, the reizōko is often the most important appliance. Because Japanese kitchens are generally smaller than those in North America, the refrigerator's size and placement are crucial considerations. People use the word daily when discussing grocery shopping, meal preparation, or simply looking for a snack.
Social Context: The term is neutral and used by everyone regardless of age or social standing. Whether you are a child asking for juice or a professional discussing smart-home technology, reizōko is the correct and only common term used.
Technical Nuance: While reizōko refers to the unit as a whole, technically it refers to the refrigeration compartment (maintained at about 3-5 degrees Celsius), distinct from the reitōko (freezer) and the yasai-shitsu (vegetable drawer).

新しい冷蔵庫を買いに行きましょう。 (Let's go buy a new refrigerator.)

冷蔵庫の中に牛乳がありますか？ (Is there milk inside the refrigerator?)

食べ残しを冷蔵庫に入れておいてください。 (Please put the leftovers in the refrigerator.)

この冷蔵庫は音がうるさいです。 (This refrigerator is noisy.)

冷蔵庫のドアをちゃんと閉めて。 (Close the refrigerator door properly.)

In contemporary Japan, the reizōko has evolved significantly. High-end models now feature 'partial freezing' compartments, vacuum-sealed drawers for fish and meat, and even AI that suggests recipes based on what is currently inside. Despite these technological leaps, the name has remained consistent for decades, firmly rooted in the concept of a dedicated space for chilling. When you visit a Japanese electronics store like Yodobashi Camera, you will see rows upon rows of reizōko, ranging from the tiny 'one-room' models used by students to massive six-door units designed for multi-generational families. Understanding this word is essential because it is a pivot point for food safety, hospitality, and household management in Japan.

Using れいぞうこ correctly in sentences requires an understanding of basic Japanese particles and verbs related to movement and location. Since a refrigerator is a physical object that functions as a container, it most frequently appears with the particles に (ni - location/destination), から (kara - origin/from), and の (no - possessive/modifying).

Describing Location: To say something is 'in' the fridge, you use reizōko no naka ni. For example, 'Tamago wa reizōko no naka ni arimasu' (The eggs are inside the refrigerator). The use of arimasu is correct here because a refrigerator and food are inanimate objects.
Actions of Putting and Taking: The most common verbs paired with reizōko are ireru (to put in) and dasu or toridasu (to take out). Use the particle ni for putting things in: 'Reizōko ni mizu o irete kudasai' (Please put the water in the fridge). Use kara for taking things out: 'Reizōko kara biiru o dashite' (Take a beer out of the fridge).
Attributes and Maintenance: When describing the state of the fridge, you might use adjectives like ookii (big), chiisai (small), furui (old), or atarashii (new). For maintenance, you might say 'reizōko o souji suru' (to clean the fridge) or 'reizōko o kaikaeru' (to replace/buy a new fridge).

ビールを冷蔵庫で冷やしておきました。 (I have chilled the beer in the refrigerator in advance.)

Advanced learners should also be aware of the compound words. For example, reizōko-shitsu specifically refers to the main cooling compartment, while reitō-shitsu is the freezer compartment. In Japanese recipes, you will often see the instruction 'reizōko de 1-jikan nekasete kudasai,' which means 'let it rest in the refrigerator for one hour.' This is common for dough or marinades. Another useful phrase is 'reizōko no ari-awase,' which refers to a meal made from whatever leftovers or random ingredients happen to be in the fridge at the time—similar to the English 'fridge raid' or 'potluck' style of cooking for oneself. Mastering these patterns allows you to navigate daily life and cooking instructions in Japanese with ease.

The word れいぞうこ is heard in a wide variety of settings, ranging from intimate home environments to large-scale commercial spaces. Because it is a basic necessity, the frequency of this word in daily conversation is very high.

At Home: This is the most common place. Family members will ask each other, 'Reizōko ni nani ka taberu mono aru?' (Is there anything to eat in the fridge?). Parents might tell children, 'Reizōko o akっぱなしにしないで!' (Don't leave the fridge open!). It is the center of kitchen-related dialogue.
Electronics Stores (Kaden Masa): If you go to stores like Bic Camera, Yodobashi Camera, or Yamada Denki, you will hear the word constantly. Salespeople will explain the 'shō-ene' (energy-saving) features of different reizōko models, their capacity in liters, and their 'seihyō' (ice-making) capabilities.
In Commercial Kitchens: In restaurants (izakaya, cafes, etc.), staff use the word when managing inventory. However, they might also use the term 業務用冷蔵庫 (gyōmuyō reizōko) for industrial-sized units or コールドテーブル (cold table) for under-counter units.

テレビのCMで、最新の冷蔵庫が紹介されています。 (A state-of-the-art refrigerator is being introduced in a TV commercial.)

You will also encounter this word in media. In anime or dramas, the refrigerator is often used as a prop to show a character's lifestyle—a fridge full of beer might suggest a hard-working single adult, while a fridge covered in magnets and schedules suggests a busy family home. In news reports, you might hear reizōko mentioned in the context of food safety during the summer months or when discussing electricity consumption during heatwaves. During the 'moving season' (引っ越しシーズン) in March and April, advertisements for 'setto kaden' (appliance sets for students) always feature a small reizōko as a primary item. Essentially, wherever food and modern living intersect in Japan, the word reizōko is present.

While れいぞうこ is a relatively straightforward noun, English speakers and other learners often run into a few specific hurdles involving pronunciation, kanji confusion, and related vocabulary.

Reizōko vs. Reitōko: The most common mistake is confusing reizōko (fridge) with reitōko (freezer). They sound very similar. Remember: Zō (蔵) is for storage, Tō (凍) is for freezing. If you ask someone to put the milk in the reitōko, you'll end up with a frozen solid block of milk!
Pronunciation of Long Vowels: Many learners forget the long 'o' sounds. It is not 'reizoko' but 'reizōko' (rei-zo-u-ko). Skipping the long vowel can make the word hard for native speakers to recognize instantly, especially in a noisy kitchen environment.
The 'Inside' Particle: Learners often say 'Reizōko ni...' when they mean 'Inside the fridge.' While often understood, saying 'Reizōko no naka ni' is much more natural and precise when referring to the contents.

× アイスを冷蔵庫に入れて。 (Wrong: Put the ice cream in the fridge - it will melt!)
○ アイスを冷凍庫に入れて。 (Correct: Put the ice cream in the freezer.)

Another subtle mistake is using the word reizōko for things that aren't actually refrigerators. For example, a large walk-in cold room in a factory is usually called a reizō-shitsu or reizō-soko (cold warehouse), not a reizōko. Similarly, a cooler box used for camping is a kūrā bokkusu, not a reizōko, even though it keeps things cold. Finally, be careful with the kanji 庫. It is often confused with 車 (car) by beginners because of the radical, but ko is about storage (like in shako - garage, or kinko - a safe). Paying attention to these details will make your Japanese sound much more polished and prevent kitchen mishaps.

While れいぞうこ is the standard term, there are several related words and alternatives depending on the specific function or context.

冷凍庫 (Reitōko): As mentioned, this is the freezer. Most modern Japanese reizōko are actually 'reizō-reitōko' (fridge-freezers), but people usually just say reizōko to refer to the whole unit unless they need to specify the freezer part.
冷温庫 (Reionko): This is a less common term for a small portable unit that can both cool and warm items. You might see these in offices or cars.
クーラーボックス (Kūrā Bokkusu): A cooler box or ice chest. Used for picnics, camping, or fishing. It does not have a power source and relies on ice packs.
保冷庫 (Horeiko): This refers to a storage unit meant to 'maintain' a cold temperature, often used for cosmetics or specific medicines.

キャンプに行くので、クーラーボックスに氷を入れました。 (I'm going camping, so I put ice in the cooler box.)

In professional settings, you might also hear chiraa (chiller) for industrial cooling systems. For wine enthusiasts, a wain serā (wine cellar/cooler) is a specific type of reizōko designed for temperature and humidity control. Understanding these distinctions helps you choose the right word for the right object. For everyday conversation, however, sticking with reizōko for anything that looks like a fridge is a safe bet. Just remember that if you are looking for the section that makes ice or keeps meat frozen, you need to switch to reitōko.

How Formal Is It?

Curiosidade

Before electric refrigerators, Japanese people used 'haisu-bokkusu' (ice boxes) which were wooden cabinets with blocks of ice delivered by an ice man.

Guia de pronúncia

UK /reɪˈzoʊ.koʊ/

US /reɪˈzoʊ.koʊ/

Flat pitch accent (Heiban), meaning the pitch stays relatively level after the first syllable.

Rima com

Kōkō (High school) Hōkō (Direction) Sōko (Warehouse) Kinkō (Balance) Ryokō (Travel) Chōkō (Sign) Kōkō (Filial piety) Dōko (Where)

Erros comuns

Pronouncing it as 'reizoko' without the long 'o'.
Mispronouncing the 'r' as a hard English 'r'.
Confusing the pitch with 'reitōko'.
Making the 'rei' sound like 'lee'.
Stressing the wrong syllable (Japanese is pitch-based, not stress-based).

Nível de dificuldade

Leitura 2/5

The kanji are common but slightly complex for absolute beginners.

Escrita 3/5

Writing '蔵' and '庫' requires practice with stroke order.

Expressão oral 1/5

Pronunciation is easy as long as long vowels are maintained.

Audição 1/5

Distinctive sound makes it easy to pick out in conversation.

O que aprender depois

Pré-requisitos

冷たい (Tsumetai) 入れる (Ireru) 出す (Dasu) キッチン (Kitchen) 食べ物 (Tabemono)

Aprenda a seguir

冷凍庫 (Reitōko) 電子レンジ (Denshi renji) 炊飯器 (Suihanki) 洗濯機 (Sentakki) 掃除機 (Sōjiki)

Avançado

鮮度 (Sendo) 省エネ (Shō-ene) 冷媒 (Reibai) 結露 (Ketsuro) 霜取り (Shimotori)

Gramática essencial

Location Particle 'ni'

冷蔵庫にバターがあります。

Compound Nouns

冷蔵庫 + 掃除 = 冷蔵庫掃除

Preparation form '~te oku'

飲み物を冷蔵庫に入れておきます。

Potential Form

この冷蔵庫はよく冷えます。

Giving/Receiving Instructions

冷蔵庫に入れてください。

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Exemplos por nível

れいぞうこにみずがあります。

There is water in the refrigerator.

Uses 'ni' for location and 'arimasu' for existence.

これはれいぞうこです。

This is a refrigerator.

Simple 'A is B' structure.

れいぞうこはどこですか？

Where is the refrigerator?

Standard question format for location.

れいぞうこにりんごをいれます。

I put an apple in the refrigerator.

Uses 'ni' for destination and 'iremasu' (to put in).

れいぞうこのなかはつめたいです。

The inside of the refrigerator is cold.

Uses 'no naka' for 'inside' and 'tsumetai' for cold to the touch.

れいぞうこからぎゅうにゅうをだします。

I take milk out of the refrigerator.

Uses 'kara' for 'from' and 'dashimasu' (to take out).

ちいさいれいぞうこですね。

It's a small refrigerator, isn't it?

Uses 'chiisai' (adjective) and 'ne' (particle for agreement).

れいぞうこにたべものがありません。

There is no food in the refrigerator.

Negative form of 'arimasu'.

冷蔵庫の中に卵が６個あります。

There are six eggs in the refrigerator.

Uses counters (ko) and kanji for reizōko.

古い冷蔵庫を捨てました。

I threw away the old refrigerator.

Past tense of 'suteru' (to throw away).

冷蔵庫のドアを閉めてください。

Please close the refrigerator door.

Uses '~te kudasai' for a polite request.

お母さんは冷蔵庫を掃除しています。

Mother is cleaning the refrigerator.

Present continuous tense '~te imasu'.

冷蔵庫が壊れてしまいました。

The refrigerator has unfortunately broken.

Uses '~te shimau' to express regret or completion.

新しい冷蔵庫はとても高いです。

New refrigerators are very expensive.

Adjective 'takai' (expensive).

冷蔵庫に飲み物を入れておきましょう。

Let's put the drinks in the fridge (in preparation).

Uses '~te oku' for doing something in advance.

この冷蔵庫はあまり冷えません。

This refrigerator doesn't cool very well.

Uses 'hienai' (potential/state of not cooling).

冷蔵庫の調子が悪いので、修理を頼みました。

The refrigerator is acting up, so I asked for a repair.

Uses 'choushi ga warui' (out of order/not feeling well).

一人暮らし用の小さい冷蔵庫を買うつもりです。

I intend to buy a small refrigerator for living alone.

Uses '~tsumori' to express intention.

冷蔵庫にあるもので、何か夕食を作ります。

I'll make some dinner with what's in the fridge.

Uses 'aru mono' (things that are there).

冷蔵庫の温度設定を少し下げました。

I lowered the temperature setting of the refrigerator a bit.

Uses 'ondo settei' (temperature setting).

この冷蔵庫は省エネ性能が優れています。

This refrigerator has excellent energy-saving performance.

Uses 'shou-ene' (energy saving).

冷蔵庫を開けっ放しにすると、アラームが鳴ります。

If you leave the refrigerator open, an alarm will sound.

Uses 'ake-ppanashi' (leaving something open).

肉は冷蔵庫のチルド室に入れて保管してください。

Please store the meat in the chilled compartment of the refrigerator.

Uses 'chirudo-shitsu' (chilled room/compartment).

冷蔵庫の奥に、賞味期限切れの牛乳がありました。

There was expired milk in the back of the refrigerator.

Uses 'shoumi kigen-gire' (expired shelf life).

冷蔵庫の普及により、食生活が劇的に変化しました。

Dietary habits changed dramatically due to the spread of refrigerators.

Uses 'fukyuu' (spread/diffusion).

最新の冷蔵庫はスマホと連携して在庫を確認できます。

The latest refrigerators can link with smartphones to check inventory.

Uses 'renkei' (cooperation/linking).

冷蔵庫の買い替え時期は、だいたい１０年と言われています。

It is said that the time to replace a refrigerator is about 10 years.

Uses 'kaikae' (replacement purchase).

冷蔵庫内の冷気の循環を妨げないように、詰め込みすぎに注意しましょう。

Be careful not to overstuff the fridge so as not to obstruct the circulation of cold air.

Uses 'junkann' (circulation) and 'samatageru' (to obstruct).

停電の時は、冷蔵庫をなるべく開けないようにしてください。

During a power outage, please try not to open the refrigerator as much as possible.

Uses 'teiden' (power outage).

冷蔵庫の脱臭剤を置いて、嫌な臭いを防ぎます。

I put a deodorizer in the refrigerator to prevent unpleasant odors.

Uses 'dasshuuzai' (deodorizer).

引越しの際、冷蔵庫の霜取りをする必要があります。

When moving, it is necessary to defrost the refrigerator.

Uses 'shimotori' (defrosting).

この冷蔵庫は、野菜の鮮度を長く保つ機能があります。

This refrigerator has a function to keep vegetables fresh for a long time.

Uses 'sendo' (freshness) and 'tamotsu' (to maintain).

冷蔵庫のコンプレッサーから異音がするので、点検が必要です。

There is a strange noise coming from the refrigerator compressor, so an inspection is necessary.

Uses 'konpuressaa' (compressor) and 'ion' (abnormal noise).

日本の冷蔵庫市場は、多機能化と大型化が進んでいます。

The Japanese refrigerator market is seeing progress in multi-functionalization and increased size.

Uses 'taginou-ka' (multi-functionalization).

冷蔵庫の冷媒として使われるフロンガスは、環境への影響が懸念されてきました。

The CFC gas used as a refrigerant in refrigerators has been a concern due to its environmental impact.

Uses 'reibai' (refrigerant) and 'furongasu' (CFCs).

共働き世帯の増加に伴い、大容量の冷蔵庫の需要が高まっています。

With the increase in dual-income households, the demand for large-capacity refrigerators is rising.

Uses 'tomobataraki' (dual-income).

冷蔵庫の配置は、キッチンの動線を考慮して決めるべきです。

The placement of the refrigerator should be decided considering the kitchen's workflow.

Uses 'dousen' (line of flow/workflow).

古い冷蔵庫を処分する際は、家電リサイクル法に従わなければなりません。

When disposing of an old refrigerator, you must comply with the Home Appliance Recycling Law.

Uses 'kaden risaikuru-hou' (Home Appliance Recycling Law).

冷蔵庫のパッキンが劣化すると、冷気が漏れて電気代が高くなります。

If the refrigerator door gasket deteriorates, cold air leaks out and electricity bills increase.

Uses 'pakkinn' (gasket/seal) and 'rekka' (deterioration).

震災に備え、冷蔵庫の転倒防止対策を講じることが推奨されています。

In preparation for an earthquake, it is recommended to take measures to prevent the refrigerator from toppling over.

Uses 'tentou boushi' (topple prevention).

冷蔵庫という存在は、もはや単なる保存機器ではなく、家庭内の情報拠点へと変貌を遂げつつある。

The refrigerator is no longer just a preservation device; it is transforming into an information hub within the home.

Uses 'henbou o togeru' (to undergo a transformation).

冷蔵庫の庫内温度の均一化を図るため、各メーカーは独自の気流制御技術を競い合っている。

To achieve uniformity in internal temperature, manufacturers are competing with their own unique airflow control technologies.

Uses 'kin-itsu-ka' (uniformity) and 'kiryuu seigyo' (airflow control).

食のグローバル化は、冷蔵庫という低温流通体系（コールドチェーン）の確立なしには語れない。

The globalization of food cannot be discussed without the establishment of the low-temperature distribution system (cold chain) known as the refrigerator.

Uses 'teion ryuutsuu taikei' (low-temperature distribution system).

冷蔵庫の中身を俯瞰することで、その家庭の経済状況や健康意識、さらには文化的な背景までもが透けて見える。

By taking a bird's-eye view of the contents of a refrigerator, one can see through to the family's economic status, health consciousness, and even cultural background.

Uses 'fukan' (bird's-eye view) and 'sukete mieru' (to be transparent/visible through).

断熱材の進化が冷蔵庫の薄型化と大容量化を両立させ、居住空間の有効活用に寄与してきた。

The evolution of insulation materials has enabled both the thinning and increased capacity of refrigerators, contributing to the effective use of living space.

Uses 'dannetsuzai' (insulation) and 'ryouritsu' (coexistence/compatibility).

冷蔵庫の騒音レベルを極限まで抑える静音設計は、日本の住環境における重要な付加価値となっている。

Silent design that suppresses refrigerator noise levels to the limit has become an important added value in the Japanese living environment.

Uses 'seion sekkei' (silent design).

ノンフロン冷蔵庫の普及は、オゾン層保護と地球温暖化防止に向けた国際的な取り組みの一環である。

The spread of non-CFC refrigerators is part of international efforts toward protecting the ozone layer and preventing global warming.

Uses 'non-furon' (non-CFC).

冷蔵庫の扉に貼られた無数のメモは、家族間のコミュニケーションの断片を象徴する現代のパリンプセストと言えるかもしれない。

The countless notes stuck to the refrigerator door might be called a modern palimpsest, symbolizing fragments of communication between family members.

Uses 'shouchou' (symbolize) and 'parinpusesto' (palimpsest).

Colocações comuns

冷蔵庫に入れる

冷蔵庫から出す

冷蔵庫を掃除する

冷蔵庫が冷える

冷蔵庫を買い替える

冷蔵庫のドア

冷蔵庫の余り物

冷蔵庫の中身

省エネ冷蔵庫

一人暮らし用冷蔵庫

Frases Comuns

冷蔵庫の肥やし

— Food that sits in the fridge for a long time without being eaten. Similar to 'fridge clutter'.

その調味料、冷蔵庫の肥やしになってない？

冷蔵庫をあさる

— To rummage through the fridge looking for food, often late at night.

夜中に冷蔵庫をあさる。

冷蔵庫並みの寒さ

— A phrase used to describe a very cold room or outdoor weather.

この部屋、冷蔵庫並みの寒さだね。

冷蔵庫を空にする

— To empty the fridge, usually before a long trip or moving house.

旅行の前に冷蔵庫を空にする。

冷蔵庫がパンパン

— A colloquial way to say the fridge is completely full/stuffed.

買い出しの後は冷蔵庫がパンパンだ。

冷蔵庫に放り込む

— To toss something into the fridge quickly or carelessly.

とりあえず冷蔵庫に放り込んでおいて。

冷蔵庫を閉め忘れる

— To forget to close the refrigerator door.

冷蔵庫を閉め忘れて、中のものが温まった。

冷蔵庫の整理

— Organizing the contents of the refrigerator.

今日は冷蔵庫の整理をしよう。

冷蔵庫の主

— A humorous way to refer to something that has been in the fridge for an incredibly long time.

この納豆、冷蔵庫の主みたいになってる。

冷蔵庫の音が気になる

— To be bothered by the humming or buzzing sound of the fridge.

夜寝る時、冷蔵庫の音が気になる。

Frequentemente confundido com

れいぞうこ vs 冷凍庫 (Reitōko)

Sounds very similar but means 'freezer'. This is the most common confusion for learners.

れいぞうこ vs 冷蔵車 (Reizōsha)

Means a refrigerated truck. Beginners might confuse 'ko' (warehouse) with 'sha' (car).

れいぞうこ vs 倉庫 (Sōko)

Means a general warehouse. Both end in 'ko' but have different functions.

Expressões idiomáticas

"冷蔵庫の残り物"

— Leftovers stored in the fridge. Used as a metaphor for something reused or unoriginal.

彼のジョークは冷蔵庫の残り物みたいだ。

Informal

"冷蔵庫の中をのぞく"

— Literally to peer inside, but often used to mean checking one's current situation or resources.

家計の冷蔵庫をのぞくようなものだ。

Metaphorical

"冷蔵庫に鍵をかける"

— To restrict access to food, often used in parenting or dieting contexts.

ダイエットのために冷蔵庫に鍵をかけた。

Literal/Colloquial

"冷蔵庫が空っぽ"

— To be completely out of food, often used to describe being poor or busy.

給料日前で冷蔵庫が空っぽだ。

Neutral

"冷蔵庫を冷やす"

— While redundant, it can mean preparing the fridge for a large amount of food.

パーティーの前に冷蔵庫をしっかり冷やす。

Neutral

"冷蔵庫で眠る"

— To leave something forgotten in the fridge for a long time.

高級なワインが冷蔵庫で眠っている。

Informal

"冷蔵庫の主役"

— The most important or prominent item in the fridge at a given time.

今日の冷蔵庫の主役はステーキ肉だ。

Informal

"冷蔵庫を買いかぶる"

— A play on words suggesting one expects too much from their fridge's capacity.

そんなに入らないよ、冷蔵庫を買いかぶりすぎだ。

Slangy

"冷蔵庫の守り神"

— A sarcastic term for something that never gets eaten and just stays in the fridge.

この古いジャムは冷蔵庫の守り神だ。

Humorous

"冷蔵庫をリセットする"

— To eat everything in the fridge so it can be cleaned and restocked from scratch.

引っ越し前に冷蔵庫をリセットした。

Informal

Fácil de confundir

れいぞうこ vs 冷温庫 (Reionko)

Sounds similar and both involve cooling.

Reionko can both heat and cool; reizōko only cools.

冬は冷温庫を温かいモードで使います。

れいぞうこ vs 保冷バッグ (Horei baggu)

Related to keeping things cold.

A bag with insulation, not an electric appliance.

保冷バッグにお弁当を入れる。

れいぞうこ vs 氷箱 (Kōribako)

Older term for ice storage.

An archaic term for a non-electric ice box.

昔の人は氷箱を使っていました。

れいぞうこ vs チラー (Chiraa)

Technical term for cooling.

Used for large industrial systems, never for home fridges.

工場のチラーを点検する。

れいぞうこ vs ショーケース (Shōkēsu)

Used in stores to display cold items.

Specifically for display in retail, not home storage.

コンビニの冷蔵ショーケース。

Padrões de frases

[Item] wa reizōko ni arimasu.

Juusu wa reizōko ni arimasu.

Reizōko ni [Item] o iremasu.

Reizōko ni yasai o iremasu.

Reizōko no [Part] ga [Adjective] desu.

Reizōko no doa ga kowarete imasu.

Reizōko o [Verb-te] moraimasu.

Reizōko o shuuri shite moraimasu.

Reizōko no [Property] o [Verb] suru.

Reizōko no ondo o settei suru.

Reizōko ni okeru [Concept] no [Effect].

Reizōko ni okeru sendo hoji no gijutsu.

Reizōko kara [Item] o dashimasu.

Reizōko kara mizu o dashimasu.

Reizōko de [Action].

Reizōko de hiyashite kudasai.

Família de palavras

Substantivos

冷蔵 (Reizō - Refrigeration)

庫 (Ko - Storage/Warehouse)

冷凍庫 (Reitōko - Freezer)

冷蔵室 (Reizō-shitsu - Cooling room)

Verbos

冷蔵する (Reizō suru - To refrigerate)

冷やす (Hiyasu - To chill)

冷える (Hieru - To grow cold)

Adjetivos

冷たい (Tsumetai - Cold to the touch)

冷え冷えの (Hiehie no - Chilled/Ice cold)

Relacionado

キッチン (Kitchen)

家電 (Home appliances)

食料 (Foodstuffs)

氷 (Ice)

電気代 (Electricity bill)

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Como usar

frequency

Extremely frequent in daily life and household management.

Erros comuns

Reizoko (Short o) → Reizōko (Long o)
Shortening the vowel makes the word sound unnatural or like a different word.
Reizōko ni biiru o dashimasu → Reizōko kara biiru o dashimasu
You take things 'from' (kara) the fridge, not 'to' (ni) it.
Reitōko (when meaning fridge) → Reizōko
Using the freezer word for the fridge can lead to frozen food disasters.
Reizōko o hiyasu → Reizōko de hiyasu
You chill the food 'in' the fridge, you don't 'chill the fridge' itself (usually).
Writing 庫 as 車 → Writing 庫 with the 广 radical
Beginners often forget the roof radical on top of the 'car' kanji.

Dicas

Pronunciation

Keep the 'o' at the end of 'zō' and 'ko' long and clear to be understood easily.

Organization

Japanese fridges often have many small drawers. Learn the names like 'yasai-shitsu' (vegetable room) to be a pro.

Particles

Always use 'ni' for putting things in and 'kara' for taking them out.

Freezer vs Fridge

Double-check before you put something in the 'reitōko' if you don't want it frozen solid!

Daily Labels

Put a sticky note on your fridge that says '冷蔵庫' to memorize the kanji every time you eat.

Asking for things

When visiting a Japanese home, always ask 'Reizōko, akete mo ii desu ka?' before opening it.

Smart Fridges

In Japan, look for the term 'IoT reizōko' for fridges that connect to your phone.

Cleaning

Use the word 'souji' (cleaning) with reizōko to talk about kitchen chores.

Kaden Masa

When shopping, look for the 'shō-ene' (energy saving) label to save on electricity bills.

Metaphors

Use 'reizōko no naka' metaphorically to describe a cold or empty situation.

Memorize

Mnemônico

Think of a 'Ray' (rei) of light hitting a 'Zoo' (zō) 'Company' (ko). The animals in the zoo company need a fridge to keep their snacks cold!

Associação visual

Imagine the kanji 庫 as a garage (广) for a car (車). But instead of a car, it's a cold (冷) storage (蔵) unit.

Word Web

Food Kitchen Electricity Ice Cold Shelves Leftovers Milk

Desafio

Go to your kitchen, open your fridge, and say 'Reizōko o akemasu' (I open the fridge). Then name three items inside in Japanese.

Origem da palavra

The word is a Sino-Japanese compound (Kango) formed during the modernization of Japan in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Significado original: A warehouse or container for keeping things cold, originally referring to ice-filled boxes.

Japanese (Kango/Sino-Japanese roots).

Contexto cultural

No specific sensitivities; it is a completely neutral household term.

In English, we often say 'fridge' instead of 'refrigerator.' In Japanese, there isn't a widely used shortened slang for 'reizōko,' though some might use 'reizō' in technical contexts.

The 'Fridge' scene in the movie 'Tampopo'. Japanese TV shows like 'Reizōko no Arimono de Ryourri' (Cooking with what's in the fridge). Yodobashi Camera's famous jingle often mentions appliances like reizōko.

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

Cooking at home

冷蔵庫から卵を出して
冷蔵庫にしまっておいて
冷蔵庫にあるもので作ろう
冷蔵庫が空っぽだ

Shopping for appliances

一番売れている冷蔵庫はどれですか？
冷蔵庫の容量を教えてください
この冷蔵庫は静かですか？
配送と設置をお願いします

In a restaurant

冷蔵庫に入れて冷やしておきます
冷蔵庫の在庫を確認します
業務用冷蔵庫が壊れました
冷蔵庫の温度をチェックしてください

Moving house

冷蔵庫を運び出す
冷蔵庫の中身を空にする
冷蔵庫の電源を切る
冷蔵庫を設置する場所

Talking about electricity

冷蔵庫の電気代が気になる
冷蔵庫を買い替えて節電する
冷蔵庫を開けすぎないで
省エネタイプの冷蔵庫

Iniciadores de conversa

"冷蔵庫の中に何が入っていますか？ (What is inside your refrigerator?)"

"新しい冷蔵庫を買うなら、どんな機能が欲しいですか？ (If you were to buy a new fridge, what features would you want?)"

"あなたの家の冷蔵庫は大きいですか、小さいですか？ (Is your home refrigerator big or small?)"

"冷蔵庫の掃除はどのくらいの頻度でしますか？ (How often do you clean your refrigerator?)"

"冷蔵庫にいつも入っているものは何ですか？ (What is something that is always in your refrigerator?)"

Temas para diário

今日、冷蔵庫の中にあるもので作った料理について書いてください。 (Write about a dish you made today with things from the fridge.)

理想のキッチンの配置と、冷蔵庫の役割について説明してください。 (Describe your ideal kitchen layout and the role of the refrigerator.)

もし一週間冷蔵庫が使えなくなったら、どうしますか？ (What would you do if you couldn't use a refrigerator for a week?)

子供の頃、冷蔵庫に関して何か思い出はありますか？ (Do you have any memories regarding the refrigerator from when you were a child?)

最新の『スマート冷蔵庫』についてどう思いますか？ (What do you think about the latest 'smart refrigerators'?)

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

Reizōko (冷蔵庫) is the refrigerator used for chilling food (around 4°C), while reitōko (冷凍庫) is the freezer used for freezing food (below 0°C). Most modern units contain both.

You say 'Reizōko ni irete kudasai.' Use the particle 'ni' to indicate the destination.

Unlike 'fridge' in English, Japanese speakers usually say the full word 'reizōko.' However, in technical specs, you might see just 'reizō' or 'reitō'.

The kanji are 冷蔵庫. 冷 (cold) + 蔵 (store) + 庫 (storage room).

Use the counter 'dai' (台) for machines. One fridge is 'reizōko ichi-dai'.

It means 'inside the refrigerator.' 'Naka' means inside.

Yes, but you can specify 'kogata reizōko' (small-type fridge) for a mini-fridge.

No, air conditioning is 'eakon' or 'kūrā.' Reizōko is only for food storage.

If left open, it usually 'pīpī' (beeps). This is called an 'araamu' (alarm).

You can say 'Reizōko ga kowaremashita' or 'Reizōko no chōshi ga warui desu'.

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