冻伤 (dòng shāng) literally means 'frozen injury' — the character 冻 (dòng) means 'to freeze' or 'frost,' and 伤 (shāng) means 'injury' or 'harm.' Together, they refer to tissue damage caused by prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures, typically affecting extremities like fingers, toes, ears, or nose. It ranges from mild (redness and numbness) to severe (blistering, blackened skin, or permanent tissue loss).

This term is used in medical, weather-related, and safety contexts — especially during winter in cold regions of China, such as Northeast China or high-altitude areas. It’s commonly discussed in public health advisories, first-aid training, and news reports about extreme cold events. Unlike general 'injury' (受伤), 冻伤 specifically implies cold-induced physiological damage and is never used metaphorically.