chladní

Chladný is a Czech adjective used to describe low temperature, lack of warmth, or a reserved demeanor. It can refer to physical properties, environments, and people. Common collocations include chladná voda (cold water), chladné ráno (cool morning), or chladný tón (cool or indifferent tone). In metaphorical use, chladný can describe a detached attitude, an unemotional reply, or an atmosphere devoid of warmth.

In distinction from synonyms, chladný often implies neutral coolness rather than harsh cold. It is milder than studený in some contexts. The nuance can shift depending on context, ranging from simply cool weather to a slightly reserved or unemotional reaction.

Chladný declines like a typical Czech adjective: masculine singular nominative chladný; feminine singular chladná; neuter singular chladné; plural forms include chladní (masc. animate) and chladné (neutr.). Simple examples: chladný muž, chladná žena, chladné dítě. In plural: chladní muži, chladné ženy, chladné děti. As with other adjectives, it agrees in gender, number, and case with the noun it modifies.

Origin: The adjective derives from the Czech noun chlad (cold) with the suffix -ný, forming an adjective that describes something characterized by coldness or coolness. It also occurs as a Czech surname, though it is uncommon.

In literature and media, chladný is frequently used to describe atmosphere or character traits, such as a chladný odstup (cool distance), a cool, unapproachable demeanor, or a wintry setting.