風邪を引いた
kaze o hiita
The Japanese phrase for "caught a cold" is 風邪を引いた (kaze o hiita).
This phrase is used to indicate that one has become infected with a common viral infection of the upper respiratory tract.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, 風邪を引いた means "pulled/attracted a cold".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
While 風邪を引いた is a standard way to state the past tense, if you are speaking to a teacher, a boss or a stranger, you should use the polite form 風邪を引きました.
How does it change in a sentence?
The dictionary form 風邪を引く means "to catch a cold", whereas the past tense 風邪を引いた means "caught a cold". If you want to express that you are currently suffering from a cold, use the continuous form 風邪を引いています.
How do you pronounce it?
kaze o hiita
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using the verb tsukamaeru (to catch or capture an object) to say you caught a cold. Instead, use hiku (to pull or attract).
Did you know?
- The word 風邪 for 'cold' literally means 'wind disease'. It reflects an ancient belief that the illness was caused by an evil wind entering the body.
- In Japan, people often wear 'heat-tech' clothing or use adhesive warming patches called kairo to prevent 風邪を引く during winter.
- The phrase 風邪を引いた is often used as a socially acceptable excuse for missing work or school, where the focus is on the apology for the inconvenience rather than the symptoms.
Examples in context
- 風邪を引いたみたい。I think I've caught a cold.This sentence is useful for expressing a thought or suspicion about having caught a cold using 風邪を引いた.Tatoeba #10498063 by small_snow, translation #9251003 by CK
- 風邪を引いたに違いない。I must have caught a cold.This sentence is useful for expressing certainty about having caught a cold using 風邪を引いた.Tatoeba #83946 by bunbuku, translation #319770 by CK
- どうやら風邪を引いたらしい。I seem to have caught a cold.This sentence is useful for expressing an appearance of having caught a cold using 風邪を引いた.Tatoeba #201125 by bunbuku, translation #38331 by CK
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ren and Himari are talking at school.
- 蓮 Renおはよう。今日は顔色が悪いね。Ohayou. Kyou wa kaoiro ga warui ne.Good morning. You look pale today.
- 陽葵 Himari実は、昨日風邪を引いたんだ。Jitsu wa, kinou kaze o hiita n da.Actually, I caught a cold yesterday.
- 蓮 Ren大丈夫？無理しないでね。Daijoubu? Muri shinaide ne.Are you okay? Please don't overdo it.
- 陽葵 Himariありがとう。早めに帰るよ。Arigatou. Hayame ni kaeru yo.Thanks. I'll go home early.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
