クール

• Reading: クール
• Romaji: kuuru
• Pronunciation: /kɯː.ɾɯ/

Meaning

An anime broadcast season or quarter — a three-month block during which anime series air (from French 'cours').

クール in the anime context refers to a three-month broadcasting period (one quarter of a year). Anime series are described by how many クール they run — 1クール (12-13 episodes), 2クール (24-26 episodes), etc. This is different from the English word 'cool' (though that meaning also exists in Japanese). The term helps fans discuss anime scheduling and anticipate upcoming seasons.

Examples

1. このアニメ2クールあるから安心して見れるね。 This anime is two cours so you can watch it without worrying about a rushed ending.
2. 1クールだと駆け足になりがちで物足りない。 One-cour shows tend to feel rushed and leave you wanting more.
3. 来クールの新作アニメ何見る？ What new anime are you watching next cour?

Usage Guide

Context: anime discussion, broadcasting, social media, seasonal previews

Tone: informational, scheduling-related

Do Say

• 分割2クールだから半年後に続き来るよ (It's a split two-cour so the continuation comes in half a year)
• 今クールは豊作だね (This season has a great lineup)

Don't Say

• アニメを見ない人に「クール」と言うと「かっこいい」と混同される (Saying 'kuuru' to non-anime fans will be confused with 'cool' as in stylish)

Common Mistakes

• Confusing this クール with the English loanword クール (cool/stylish) — context determines meaning
• Not knowing that クール comes from French, not English

Origin & History

Borrowed from the French word 'cours' (course/term), introduced to Japanese broadcasting through the television industry. Each クール corresponds to a three-month broadcast quarter (January, April, July, October starts).

Cultural Context

Era: Broadcasting term adopted by anime fandom

Generation: All ages anime fans

Social background: Anime and broadcasting industry

Regional notes: Used across Japan in anime discussion. The four seasons (winter, spring, summer, fall) each correspond to one クール.