凉

• Pinyin: liáng
• Hanzi breakdown: 凉 = 冫(ice radical) + 京 (phonetic component)

Meaning

Cool; cold. Describes a temperature that is pleasantly cool or uncomfortably cold.

Can describe cool weather, cold food or drinks, or a chilly feeling. Also used figuratively to mean disappointed or disheartened (心里凉了). In cooking, 凉菜 refers to cold dishes.

Examples

1. 今天风很大，有点凉。 It's very windy today and a bit chilly.
2. 水已经凉了，不能喝了。 The water has gone cold and can't be drunk anymore.
3. 秋天的早上有点凉。 Autumn mornings are a bit cool.

Usage Guide

Context: weather, food, everyday

Tone: descriptive

Do Say

• 饭凉了，再热一下吧。(The food has gone cold — reheat it.)
• 外面很凉，多穿点。(It's cold outside — wear more clothes.)

Don't Say

• 不要用'凉'形容非常冷的天气 (Don't use 凉 for very cold weather — use 冷 instead; 凉 is for mildly cool or chilled)

Origin & History

Composed of 冫(ice radical) and 京 (phonetic component). The ice radical indicates its connection to coldness.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal