cold

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 冷 has seven strokes; its on-reading れい and several kun-readings depend on the word.
• Basic usage: It describes low temperature, an unkind attitude, and enthusiasm cooling.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Coldness and attitude
  • 冷たい(つめたい) describes the temperature of water or an unkind reply, as in 冷たい返事.
• Becoming cold and cooling down
  • 冷える(ひえる) describes a body or room becoming cold; 冷やす(ひやす) describes making something cold.
  • 冷める(さめる) focuses on tea or enthusiasm losing its earlier heat. 冷ます(さます) describes cooling hot food or calming excitement.