[JLPT grammar] Should さむい or つめたい be used for ‘cold tea?

Today I am going to share the homework correction quoted from my JLPT course!
The student’s sentence is not correct. Can you find the mistake?

 

[Student’s sentence]

今日は暑いから、さむいお茶が飲みたい。

*きょうはあついから、さむいおちゃがのみたい。

 



 

[My correction]

今日は暑いから、さむいお茶が飲みたい。
→今日は暑いから、つめたいお茶が飲みたい。
It’s hot today, so I want a cup of cold tea.

 

Both さむい and つめたい mean cold, but さむい is used for weather or air temperature, and つめたい for objects that are cold to the touch.
Since お茶 is an object, you should use つめたい.

 

e.g.
冷蔵庫(れいぞうこ)のスイカはつめたいです

The watermelon in the refrigerator is very cold.

氷(こおり)を入(い)れて、つめたい水(みず)を作(つく)りましょう。
Let’s make cold water by adding ice.

今日はさむいから、コートを着(き)ます。
It’s cold today, so I’m going to put on my coat.

エアコンが強(つよ)くて、部屋(へや)がさむいですね。
The air conditioner is so strong that the room is chilly.

 

I hope my explanation helps you. 😊

 

The above correction is just a taste of what my JLPT all-in-one course has to offer (today’s is from the N5).

Our course provides detailed Japanese grammar explanations and personalized feedback on your homework submissions to help you master the language. With homework assignments included in each lesson, you’ll have ample opportunities to practice and improve your skills. Enroll now to receive easy-to-understand support and start your journey towards fluency.

 

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