kiinto
Two common uses: (1) An intense, penetrating cold that pierces to the bone — the air feels sharp and painful. (2) A sharp ringing sensation in the ears from altitude change, loud noise, or extreme cold (耳がきーんとする). Both share the sense of a sharp, piercing sensation.
💡Used for extremely cold mornings, stepping outside into sub-zero air, or cold that makes your ears ache.
冬の朝、きーんと冷えた空気が肺に刺さった。
The piercingly cold winter morning air stung my lungs.
The ___ cold air hit my face as I opened the door.
ドアを開けると___と冷たい空気が顔に当たった。