Quick answer
寒 is the kanji for "Cold". Its reading is さむ.い (samui). This page includes example sentences and a stroke-order diagram.
Meaning
Cold
Also : Chilly · Freezing · Wintry
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Readings
kun = Japanese reading · on = Chinese reading
Practice writing
Trace the kanji stroke by stroke with a visual guide.
Stroke Order
12 strokes
Memory Aid
The kanji 寒 represents 'COLD'. Think of this shape as a picture representing the concept of cold.
On-reading: かん — remember this sound by associating it with cold. Kun-reading: さむ.い.
Example Sentences
冬になると寒くなりますね。
ふゆになるとさむくなりますね。
It gets cold when winter comes.
寒い日は温かいスープが食べたいです。
さむいひはあたたかいすーぷがたべたいです。
On cold days I want to eat warm soup.
Vocabulary using 寒
Grammar to study at this level
- [Verb dictionary/nai form] + ように～ように (you ni) - So that
- [Verb dictionary form] + ことにする～ことにする (koto ni suru) - Decide to
- [Verb dictionary form] + ことになる～ことになる (koto ni naru) - It has been decided that
- [Noun/Verb te-form] + ばかり～ばかり (bakari) - Only / Nothing but
- [Verb/Adjective plain form] + はずだ～はずだ (hazu da) - Should be / It is expected
Last updated Jul 4, 2026
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