Japanese meaning of 三寒四温
Reading:
さんかんしおん (sankan shion)
English Translation:
Three cold days followed by four warm days
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
A cycle of three colder days followed by four milder ones; shorthand for late-winter swings.
Cultural Context:
Frequent in seasonal greetings and weather commentary (Jan–Mar); figuratively, “progress with setbacks” in projects or recovery.
「寒い日が三日、暖かい日が四日」を繰り返す気温変化。晩冬〜早春の気候を指す定型。
時候の挨拶や気象解説（1〜3月）で定番。比喩的に、物事が一進一退で進むさまにも使う。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
• Noun phrase indicating cyclical temperature changes, often modifying “気候.”
Trap for English Speakers
Can be misunderstood as strictly weather-related, missing its figurative use for fluctuating situations.
Example
Basic Example
三寒四温を繰り返し、春が近づいてきた。
With the cycle of three cold days followed by four warm days, spring is approaching.
Applied Example
三寒四温の時期になると春の訪れを感じる。
During the cycle of three cold days and four warm days, one can feel the arrival of spring.