1.
sensitivity to cold; poor circulation; tendency to feel cold
A constitutional tendency to feel cold easily, especially in the hands, feet, and lower body. Recognized in Japanese and East Asian medicine as a condition requiring treatment. Much more commonly discussed in Japan than in Western cultures.
私は冷え性で、冬がつらい。
I'm sensitive to cold, so winter is tough for me.
冷え性を改善するために生姜を食べるようにしている。
I try to eat ginger to improve my cold sensitivity.
女性は男性に比べて冷え性になりやすいと言われている。
Women are said to be more prone to cold sensitivity than men.
CULTURE:
A concept deeply rooted in East Asian medicine. In Japan, 冷え性 is widely recognized as a legitimate health concern, and many remedies are marketed for it — from warming foods like ginger to hot baths and special socks. The concept has no direct equivalent in Western medicine.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 冷え性を改善する (to improve cold sensitivity)
- 冷え性対策 (measures against cold sensitivity)
- 末端冷え性 (cold extremities — cold hands and feet)
- 冷え性に効く (effective for cold sensitivity)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 寒がり: person who feels the cold — describes a person's temperament rather than a medical condition