따뜻하다 (tta-tteus-ha-da, ttatteushada) · 차갑다 (cha-gap-da, chagapda)
따뜻하다 expresses warmth and friendliness, while 차갑다 conveys coldness and distance; both describe physical temperature or emotional states depending on context.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
To have a high temperature that feels pleasant to the body, or to express a kind and friendly emotional state
When to use
weather description, food temperature, emotional expression, personality
The nuance
Used to describe physically warm temperatures or emotionally kind and friendly states.
To have a low temperature that feels cool or unpleasant to the body, or to express emotionally cold and indifferent states
When to use
drink temperature, person's attitude, emotional state
The nuance
Used to describe physically cold temperatures or emotionally cold and indifferent attitudes.
오늘 날씨가 정말 따뜻하다.
o-neul nal-ssi-ga jeong-mal tta-tteus-ha-da., o neul nal ssi ga jeong mal tta tteus ha da.
‘따뜻하다’ correctly describes mild and pleasant weather temperature.
이 물은 차갑다, 마시기 좋아요.
i mul-eun cha-gap-da, ma-si-gi joh-a-yo., i mul eun cha gap da, ma si gi joh a yo.
‘차갑다’ naturally describes low temperature of drinks or water.
그 사람은 따뜻한 마음씨를 가지고 있어요.
geu sa-ram-eun tta-tteus-han ma-eum-ssi-reul ga-ji-go iss-eo-yo., geu sa ram eun tta tteus han ma eum ssi reul ga ji go iss eo yo.
‘따뜻하다’ is used to express a kind and friendly personality.
그녀의 태도는 너무 차갑다.
geu-nyeo-ui tae-do-neun neo-mu cha-gap-da., geu nyeo ui tae do neun neo mu cha gap da.
‘차갑다’ appropriately describes emotionally cold and indifferent attitudes.
이 음식은 차갑다, 먹기 좋아요.
i eum-sik-eun cha-gap-da, meok-gi joh-a-yo., i eum sik eun cha gap da, meok gi joh a yo.
‘차갑다’ can describe cold food but ‘차다’ is more common; however, ‘차갑다’ is acceptable when contrasting with ‘따뜻하다’.
그 커피는 따뜻하다, 마시기 좋아요.
geu keo-pi-neun tta-tteus-ha-da, ma-si-gi joh-a-yo., geu keo pi neun tta tteus ha da, ma si gi joh a yo.
‘따뜻하다’ naturally describes coffee with pleasant warm temperature.
그의 반응은 따뜻하다.
geu-ui ban-eung-eun tta-tteus-ha-da., geu ui ban eung eun tta tteus ha da.
‘따뜻하다’ is appropriate for expressing kind and friendly reactions.
그의 반응은 차갑다.
geu-ui ban-eung-eun cha-gap-da., geu ui ban eung eun cha gap da.
‘차갑다’ correctly describes cold and indifferent reactions.
Which word do you use for mild warm weather?
Which word describes a cold and indifferent attitude?
Which word contrasts with hot food?
