1.
coldness; coolness (of temperature)
A pleasant or refreshing coolness, as of the air or a surface.
秋の風の冷ややかさが心地よい。
The coolness of the autumn breeze is pleasant.
朝の空気の冷ややかさで目が覚めた。
I woke up from the coolness of the morning air.
大理石の冷ややかさが足に伝わった。
The coolness of the marble transferred to my feet.
2.
coldness; indifference; emotional distance
An attitude of emotional detachment, lack of warmth, or chilly reception toward someone.
彼女の冷ややかさに傷ついた。
I was hurt by her coldness.
周囲の冷ややかさを感じた。
I felt the coldness of those around me.
観客の冷ややかさとは対照的に、彼は熱く演じた。
In contrast to the audience's indifference, he performed passionately.
The noun form of 冷ややか (cool, cold, indifferent), formed by adding the suffix さ. Used for both physical and emotional coldness.
SENSE 1 — PHYSICAL COOLNESS:
Often describes a pleasant, refreshing sensation rather than uncomfortable cold. Associated with autumn, morning air, stone, or water.
SENSE 2 — EMOTIONAL COLDNESS:
Describes interpersonal distance, unfriendly attitudes, or lack of enthusiasm. Has a stronger negative connotation in this sense.
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 冷たさ: coldness — more strongly negative; can describe both temperature and emotion
- 涼しさ: coolness, refreshingness — positive temperature only
- 冷淡さ: indifference, apathy — emotional only, more formal
FORMATION:
冷ややか (cool, indifferent) + さ (nominalizing suffix for adjectives)