涼快 / 凉快
liángkuài
In Chinese, cool can be translated as 涼快 / 凉快 (liángkuài). If unsure, use 涼快 / 凉快. Wiktionary also lists 清涼 / 清凉 (qīngliáng).
Meaning: having a slightly low temperature (adj)
Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 涼快 / 凉快 | liángkuài |
| 清涼 / 清凉 | qīngliáng |
The primary meaning of these terms is to describe a temperature that is slightly low. This is distinct from 冷, which means 'cold' and can imply an uncomfortable or harsh temperature. Additionally, the related form 冷淡 can be used as a verb meaning to become less intense, e.g. less amicable.
Which one should you use?
The choice between the two main forms depends on the sensation you want to emphasize. 涼快 / 凉快 (liángkuài) specifically refers to a cool temperature that is pleasant or refreshing, often used to describe weather or a breeze. In contrast, 清涼 / 清凉 (qīngliáng) emphasizes a sense of clarity and freshness, often used for things like cool water, cool air or a refreshing feeling.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
liángkuài
Did you know?
- To describe a 'cool' person in terms of style or attitude, Chinese speakers do not use 涼快 but instead use the loanword 酷, which mimics the English sound of 'cool'.
- In some contexts, saying a situation has 涼了 (become cool/cold) is a slang way to say a plan has failed or a hope has died.
- The phrase 清涼 is frequently used in Buddhist texts to describe a state of mental clarity and liberation from the 'heat' of worldly desires.
Examples in context
- 这个项目做得太棒了！This project is done exceptionally well!
- 你的新发型酷毙了！Your new hairstyle is extremely cool!
- 这首歌太赞了，简直屌炸天！This song is so awesome, it's mind-blowing!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cool” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
