冷ます

• Reading: さます
• Romaji: samasu
• Kanji breakdown: 冷 (rei/sa) — cold, cool
• Pronunciation: /sa.ma.sɯ/

Meaning

To cool something down; to let something cool. The transitive verb for actively reducing the temperature of food, drinks, or situations.

A Group 1 (godan) verb conjugated with the す row. The transitive counterpart of 冷める (to become cool). Most commonly used with food and drinks: スープを冷ます (to let soup cool). Also used figuratively for cooling emotions or enthusiasm. Distinct from 覚ます (to awaken), which uses a different kanji.

Examples

1. コーヒーが熱いので少し冷ましてから飲む。 The coffee is hot, so I'll let it cool down a bit before drinking it.
2. 焼きたてのケーキを冷ましている。 I'm letting the freshly baked cake cool down.
3. 彼の発言がみんなの気持ちを冷ました。 His remark cooled everyone's enthusiasm.

Usage Guide

Context: cooking, daily life, figurative

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From the verb stem さます, written with 冷 (rei, cold/cool). The kanji 冷 depicts ice (冫) beside a command (令), suggesting the act of making something cold.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal