I often hear the word "cool" in English, which translates to "kakkoii" in Japanese, but it's not used as much here. "Kakkoii" refers to someone who excels or holds strong beliefs. I want to understand "cool" better.
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It’s basically used to express something in a positive way. It used to be used more in the sense that something is good in a way that also implies it’s popular such as “ rock and roll is cool”.
It can be used more loosely now and doesn’t really even need to imply that strong of a feeling…
You might even say it sarcastically or passive aggressively to express something you don’t like
1: “I know we had a date tonight but do you mind if I go drinking with my friends instead?”
2: “ya, cool” (the tone would imply it’s not okay but person might take it as permission anyways, knowing this)
You would not say it to simply imply it’s something you don’t like (if you don’t like apples you wouldn’t say they’re “not cool”, it implies a moral judgement)
If you think something is lame or unpopular you would be more likely to express that by saying it’s “uncool”
"Cool" basically means when you find something interesting in a strong or stylish way. So for example, I think Samus from Metroid is a cool character or that person has a cool hair cut. Not entirely sure that helps, but hopefully that gives a better idea.
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"Wow, that motorcycle looks cool"
But casually, people use to as a way of saying something is pleasing. "They gave us free pizza at work, so that's cool."
It can be used more loosely now and doesn’t really even need to imply that strong of a feeling…
1: “do you want some help?”
2: “nah, I’m cool”
Or it can be used to mean don’t worry about it
1: “sorry about that”
2: “it’s cool”
1: “whose that?”
2: “my friend Tim, he’s cool”
In a different context this could imply Tim is okay with certain things/ isn’t someone to report things to authority (like drugs for example)
1: “is this guy a cop?”
2: “don’t worry, he’s cool”
1: “I know we had a date tonight but do you mind if I go drinking with my friends instead?”
2: “ya, cool” (the tone would imply it’s not okay but person might take it as permission anyways, knowing this)
1: “hey did you eat the food I was saving in the fridge?”
2: “oh, ya, I didn’t know it was yours”
1: “not cool, man”
If you think something is lame or unpopular you would be more likely to express that by saying it’s “uncool”