Translation and Meaning of: 冷蔵庫 - reizouko

The Japanese word 「冷蔵庫」 (reizouko) refers to an essential appliance in most modern kitchens: the refrigerator. This term is composed of three kanji characters: 「冷」 (rei), which means "cold"; 「蔵」 (zou), which means "storehouse" or "to store"; and 「庫」 (ko), which means "to store" or "depository." Together, these characters form the idea of a "cooled depository," perfectly describing the main function of a refrigerator.

The etymology of the word 「冷蔵庫」 reflects its function clearly and accurately. The kanji 「冷」 is often associated with everything that is cold, a fundamental concept in the construction of the word. The kanji 「蔵」 suggests the idea of secure storage of provisions since ancient times, while 「庫」 was traditionally used to indicate places where important and valuable objects were kept. By combining these kanji, the term conveys the idea of safe storage of food and products that need refrigeration.

The concept of refrigeration to preserve food is as old as the practice of storing ice in caves or cellars. However, the technological innovation that led to the invention of the modern refrigerator occurred in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Japan, always eager for the integration of Western innovations, quickly adopted and developed its own versions of refrigerators after World War II, marking the beginning of the widespread use of 「冷蔵庫」 in Japanese households.

In the Japanese cultural context, the use of 「冷蔵庫」 transcends simple food storage. This item is often a reflection of lifestyle, food preferences, and even the values of a Japanese home, which values efficiency and practicality. The functionality and storage capacity vary according to family needs, making the 「冷蔵庫」 a central element in homes, where even space is considered carefully. Thus, while the word itself is concrete and practical, it also opens a window to everyday life in Japan.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 冷蔵庫 (Reizouko) - refrigerator
• 冷凍庫 (Reitōko) - Freezer
• 冷蔵機 (Reizōki) - Cooling equipment
• 冷蔵冷凍庫 (Reizōreito ko) - Combined refrigerator and freezer
• 冷蔵装置 (Reizōsōchi) - Cooling device
• 冷蔵設備 (Reizōsetsubi) - Refrigeration installation
• 冷蔵保管庫 (Reizōhokanko) - Refrigerated storage
• 冷蔵庫室 (Reizōkoshitsu) - Interior space of the refrigerator
• 冷蔵庫棚 (Reizōkodana) - Refrigerator shelf
• 冷蔵庫内 (Reizōkona) - Inside the refrigerator
• 冷蔵庫外 (Reizōkogai) - Out of the refrigerator
• 冷蔵庫扉 (Reizōkodoa) - Refrigerator door
• 冷蔵庫庫内 (Reizōkokunai) - Interior of the refrigerator compartment
• 冷蔵庫室内 (Reizōkoshitsunai) - Inside of the refrigerator
• 冷蔵庫設置場所 (Reizōkosetichiba) - Refrigerator installation location
• 冷蔵庫の中 (Reizōko no naka) - Inside the refrigerator
• 冷蔵庫の外 (Reizōko no soto) - On the outside of the refrigerator
• 冷蔵庫の中身 (Reizōko no nakami) - Refrigerator contents
• 冷蔵庫の中に (Reizōko no naka ni) - Inside the refrigerator

冷蔵庫

Romaji: reizouko
Kana: れいぞうこ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n5

Translation / Meaning: refrigerator

Meaning in English: refrigerator

Definition: Household equipment for storing food and beverages.

Example Sentences - (冷蔵庫) reizouko

See below some example sentences:

冷蔵庫に食材を入れてください。

Reizouko ni shokuzai wo irete kudasai

Please put the ingredients in the fridge.

Put the ingredients in the fridge.

• 冷蔵庫 (reizouko) - refrigerator
• に (ni) - Location particle
• 食材 (shokuzai) - food ingredients
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 入れて (irete) - put inside
• ください (kudasai) - Please

冷蔵庫には食べ物を入れておきます。

Reizouko ni wa tabemono wo irete okimasu

Put the food in the refrigerator.

• 冷蔵庫 (reizouko) - refrigerator
• には (ni wa) - indicates where something is placed (in this case, inside the refrigerator)
• 食べ物 (tabemono) - food
• を (wo) - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 入れて (irete) - verb "colocar" in the present tense and continuous form
• おきます (okimasu) - verb "deixar" in the present tense and polite form