1.
unable to eat or drink hot things; sensitivity to hot food
Describes a person who cannot tolerate hot food or drinks. Literally 'cat tongue,' from the belief that cats dislike hot things.
私は猫舌です。
I can't handle hot food.
猫舌だから、少し冷ましてから飲む。
Since I can't handle hot drinks, I let it cool down a bit before drinking.
猫舌の人にとって、出来たてのグラタンは食べるのが大変だ。
For someone who can't handle hot food, eating freshly made gratin is a struggle.
ETYMOLOGY:
Literally "猫の舌" (cat's tongue). Based on the popular belief that cats cannot eat hot food.
USAGE:
Used as a self-description or to describe others. Most commonly appears with だ/です: 猫舌だ (I can't handle hot things). Can also be used as a modifier: 猫舌の人 (a person who can't handle hot food).
This is a widely understood and commonly used word in everyday Japanese. It is not considered childish or overly casual.
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 猫舌だ: I can't handle hot food
- 猫舌の人: someone who can't handle hot things
- 猫舌なので: since I can't handle hot food