寒
cold
Details
Stroke Order
Cultural Context
Etymology
Person shivering with ice under roof (宀). Trembling from cold.
Symbolism
Cold, poverty, loneliness. '寒い' is physical and emotional coldness.
Related Culture & Scenes
- — Good old days
Seasonal
Represents harsh winter December to February. Winter greeting cards. Cold season begins around January 5th.
Words & Expressions
Four-Character Compounds
三寒四温
さんかんしおん
alternation of three cold and four warm days (usu. in late winter and early spring); alternation of three cold and four warm days (usu. in late winter and early spring)
頭寒足熱
ずかんそくねつ
keeping the head cool and feet warm; keeping the head cool and feet warm
一暴十寒
いちばくじっかん
bursts of exertion will fail to bear fruit if interrupted by long periods of idleness; strenuous efforts, unless sustained, are to no avail; bursts of exertion will fail to bear fruit if interrupted by long periods of idleness
枯木寒巌
こぼくかんがん
withered trees and frozen rocks; a person that is hard to approach; withered trees and frozen rocks
歳寒三友
さいかんさんゆう
the three friends of winter (pine, bamboo and plum); the three friends of winter (pine, bamboo and plum)
Proverbs & Idioms
寒さ暑さも彼岸まで
さむさあつさもひがんまで
Cold and heat last only until the equinox
Extreme weather moderates after the spring/autumn equinox
Poetry
み吉野の 山の秋風 さ夜ふけて ふるさと寒く 衣うつなり
Poem #94 from Hyakunin Isshu
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 寒 mean in Japanese?
寒 means cold.
How do you read 寒?
On'yomi: カン (KAN). Kun'yomi: さむ.い (samui).
How many strokes does 寒 have?
寒 has 12 strokes. Its radical is 宀 (roof).
Is 寒 a good kanji for a tattoo?
Yes. 寒 (cold) has a clear positive meaning and no embarrassing alternate readings, making it a solid tattoo choice.
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