1.
chill, chilliness
A sensation of cold, or the state of being cold, especially in the body.
2.
poor circulation, cold sensitivity
A condition where parts of the body, especially hands and feet, feel persistently cold due to poor blood circulation.
The noun form of the verb 冷える (to get cold). Refers both to ambient chill and to the common health complaint of poor circulation.
Common collocations
- 冷え性 — sensitivity to cold, poor circulation
- 手足の冷え — cold hands and feet
- 冷え対策 — measures against cold/poor circulation
- 冷えを防ぐ — to prevent chilling
- 冷え込み — sharp drop in temperature
Health context
冷え性 is a commonly discussed health condition in Japan, particularly among women. It is considered a cause of various ailments in traditional Japanese and Chinese medicine. Remedies include warm baths, ginger tea, and layered clothing.