Meaning and Usage
"冷房" (れいぼう) refers specifically to cooling or air conditioning, commonly used to describe devices or systems that cool indoor spaces, especially in summer. It is a noun and often appears in everyday conversation about temperature control.
Common Contexts
You will frequently hear "冷房" when talking about turning on or adjusting air conditioning in homes, offices, cars, or public transport. It can describe the function (cooling) or the device itself.
Collocations and Patterns
- 冷房をつける: to turn on the air conditioning
- 冷房が効く: the air conditioning works well
- 冷房が強い／弱い: the air conditioning is strong/weak
- 冷房が壊れる: the air conditioning breaks down
Register and Nuance
"冷房" is a neutral term suitable for both casual and formal situations. It is more specific than just "エアコン" (air conditioner), focusing on the cooling function rather than the device.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "冷房" with "暖房" (だんぼう, heating). Remember "冷" means cold, so "冷房" is cooling, while "暖房" is heating. Also, "冷房" refers to the cooling system or function, not the temperature itself.