Translation and Meaning of: 冷やす - hiyasu

Etymology and Origin

The word 「冷やす」 (hiyasu) is a Japanese verb that connotes cooling or chilling something. This word originates from the kanji 「冷」, which means cold. The radical used in the kanji 「冷」 is 「冫」, which is often associated with ice or cold, visually representing the concept of cooling. The construction of the verb in Japanese is done by adding 「やす」, which is a common way of transforming nouns into verbs in this language. The verb has its roots in everyday usage related to temperature changes or air conditioning.

Definition and Usage

The term "冷やす" (hiyasu) primarily refers to the act of making something colder. This verb is widely used in different contexts, such as in the kitchen when one wishes to chill food or drinks, or even in medical contexts when it is necessary to cool an area of the body to reduce swelling or bruising. The word can also be used metaphorically, implying calming or making someone or something less intense or fervent.

Variations and Applications

In addition to its basic form, 「冷やす」 can be conjugated in various forms that change its tense and aspect, such as 「冷やしました」 (hiyashimashita) to indicate that something was cooled in the past. There is also the passive form 「冷やされる」 (hiyasareru), which indicates that something is being cooled by some external force. Another variation includes 「冷やしている」 (hiyashiteiru), which suggests that the cooling process is ongoing.

In a cultural context, the act of cooling is important in various Japanese practices, especially in the use of spaces called "yukimizake" where drinks are chilled with snow. Additionally, during the Japanese summer, it is common to use traditional cooling techniques like fuurin (wind chimes) that, although they do not change the actual temperature, provide an auditory sensation of coolness.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 冷やす

冷やす - Infinitive base form
冷やします - polite form
冷やさない - negative form
冷やせる - potential form
冷やしました - past form
冷やしません - Polite negative form

Synonyms and similar words

冷ます (samasu) - Cool something, like a drink or food, to make it consumable.
冷やかす (hiyakasu) - To tease or make fun of someone, often in a lighthearted or playful context, in addition to deflating or cooling something down.
冷やかる (hiyakaru) - Receiving teasing or mockery, especially from someone who is joking, can be related to being figuratively 'cooled off'.
冷やする (hiyasu) - To cool something down, generally used in a more physical or literal context, compared to others that have more social connotations.