不凍(ふとう)

ふとう
noun, prefix
non-freezing; freeze-proof
formalsciencegeography
1. non-freezing; freeze-proof; ice-free
The property of not freezing, or being designed to resist freezing. Used as a prefix or modifier in compound words describing ports, liquids, or equipment that remain functional in cold conditions.
不凍(ふとう)液(えき)を入(い)れる。
To add antifreeze.
ウラジオストクは不凍(ふとう)港(こう)として知(し)られている。
Vladivostok is known as an ice-free port.
冬(ふゆ)になる前(まえ)に不凍(ふとう)液(えき)の量(りょう)を確認(かくにん)しておこう。
Let's check the antifreeze level before winter comes.
不凍(ふとう)栓(せん)を設置(せっち)すれば水道管(すいどうかん)の凍結(とうけつ)を防(ふせ)げる。
Installing a freeze-proof faucet can prevent water pipes from freezing.

Composed of 不(ふ) (non-, un-) and 凍(とう) (freeze). Almost always used as a prefix in compounds rather than as a standalone word.

The two most common compounds are 不凍(ふとう)液(えき) (antifreeze — the liquid used in car radiators) and 不凍(ふとう)港(こう) (ice-free port — a port that remains navigable year-round). The latter is an important geography term; Russia's historical quest for a 不凍(ふとう)港(こう) is a staple of world history classes.

Common collocations

  • 不凍(ふとう)液(えき): antifreeze (for car engines)
  • 不凍(ふとう)港(こう): ice-free port
  • 不凍(ふとう)栓(せん): freeze-proof faucet/valve
  • 不凍(ふとう)水栓(すいせん): freeze-proof water tap

Similar words

  • 凍結(とうけつ): freezing — the condition that 不凍(ふとう) prevents
  • 防凍(ぼうとう): antifreeze, freeze prevention — emphasizes actively preventing freezing rather than the inherent property of not freezing
  • 解凍(かいとう): thawing, defrosting — the process of undoing freezing

Related Words

Compare: 凍結(とうけつ) (freezing)
Compare: 防凍(ぼうとう) (antifreeze, freeze prevention)
Compare: 解凍(かいとう) (thawing, defrosting)
general
Added 2026.4.18 5:13 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02
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