1.
cold
A common viral infection of the upper respiratory tract.
A common viral illness. One of the most frequently discussed health topics in daily Japanese conversation.
KANJI NOTE:
Written 風邪 — same reading as 風 (wind) but different kanji. The 邪 character means "evil/harmful."
COMMON EXPRESSIONS:
- 風邪を引く: to catch a cold (the standard expression — uses 引く, not かかる)
- 風邪が治る: to recover from a cold
- 風邪気味: feeling a bit under the weather
- 風邪薬: cold medicine
- 風邪を引きやすい: prone to catching colds
CULTURAL NOTE:
In Japan, wearing a mask (マスク) when you have a cold is standard etiquette. The phrase お大事に (take care) is the customary response when someone says they have a cold.