Entry
冷んやり
hinyari
A pleasant and refreshing cool or chilly sensation in the air or upon touching an object.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word describes a comfortably cool sensation, such as the crisp air on an autumn morning, a light breeze, or the feeling of touching a cold surface. Unlike a biting or uncomfortable freezing temperature, it typically carries a refreshing, positive, and soothing nuance.
- cool air
- cool touch
Sense Map
Air & Environment
A comfortably cool temperature in the environment.
朝の空気がひんやりする。
Physical Touch
The refreshing cold sensation when skin makes contact with an object.
ひんやりとしたシーツ。
Usage Note
How to Use
ひんやりする
Functions as a verb to indicate that someone feels cool or something is cool to the touch.
ひんやり（と）した + noun
Used before a noun to describe a cool object or environment. The particle to is optional.
ひんやり（と） + verb
Acts as an adverb modifying a verb, describing an action done with a cool sensation.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ひんやりする
feel cool
ひんやりとした空気
cool air
ひんやり冷たい
refreshingly cold
ひんやりスイーツ
cool sweets
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Weather | positive | Often used to welcome the transition from a hot summer to a crisp autumn. |
| Food | positive | Highlights the enjoyable, refreshing nature of cold desserts during warm days. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぞくぞく ぞくぞく / similar | When you are shivering due to illness, fear, or an uncomfortably cold draft. | This term focuses on the negative internal physical reaction of shivering, whereas the main word focuses on a pleasant external temperature. | 寒気でぞくぞくする。 |
きんきん きんきん / similar | For things that are freezing cold or chilled to the bone, like ice-cold beer. | Indicates an extreme, piercing level of coldness, while the main word is gentle and soothing. | きんきんに冷えたビール。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it for harsh, freezing winter weather.
Use samui instead. The main word is for milder, pleasant coolness.
Using it to describe a person with a cold or aloof personality.
This word only applies to physical temperature. For a cold personality, use tsumetai.
Examples
Examples
秋の朝は空気がひんやりしている。
あきのあさはくうきがひんやりしている。
The air on an autumn morning is refreshingly cool.
LiteralDescribes the cool sensation of the air on the skin.
ひんやりとしたシーツが気持ちいい。
ひんやりとしたシーツがきもちいい。
The cool sheets feel really nice.
LiteralShows the comfortable surface temperature of an object.
洞窟の中はひんやり冷たかった。
どうくつのなかはひんやりつめたかった。
Inside the cave was cool and chilly.
LiteralUsed for the temperature of an enclosed area.
冷蔵庫から出したばかりのゼリーはひんやりして美味しい。
れいぞうこからだしたばかりのゼリーはひんやりしておいしい。
The jelly just taken out of the fridge is cool and delicious.
LiteralEmphasizes the enjoyment of cold food.
風が吹くと少し冷んやりする。
かぜがふくとすこしひんやりする。
When the wind blows, it feels a little chilly.
LiteralShows a mild temperature change due to wind.
Similar Words
ぞくぞく
zokuzoku
ぞくぞく describes the physical sensation of shivering or a chill going down one's spine due to cold, fever, fear, or intense excitement. Physical reaction of shivering, not the pleasant external temperature perception.
ぶるぶる
buruburu
This word describes a continuous, rapid trembling or shivering of the body or an object, usually due to cold, fear, or mechanical vibration.
きんきん
kinkin
Describes a high-pitched, piercing sound or something that is freezing cold. An extremely low, piercing level of cold.
Questions
What is the difference from tsumetai?
Tsumetai is a general adjective for cold objects or people. The main word emphasizes the sensory experience of comfortable coolness and cannot describe personalities.
Is it always positive?
Generally yes, as it implies comfort. However, it can be neutral when describing the objective coolness of a shaded area or cave.
Can I use it for an air-conditioned room?
Yes, it is perfect for describing the refreshing coolness you feel when entering an air-conditioned room on a hot day.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1010700
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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