Yojijukugo
Japanese meaning of 三寒四温
Reading:
Voice sample:
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.
日本語で読む
「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。
Cultural Context:
Frequent in seasonal greetings and weather commentary (Jan–Mar); figuratively, “progress with setbacks” in projects or recovery.
日本語で読む
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.”
日本語で読む
気温変化の周期性を表し、「〜の気候」と組み合わせる。
Trap for English Speakers
Can be misunderstood as strictly weather-related, missing its figurative use for fluctuating situations.
日本語で読む
天候の意味だけと解釈され、物事の浮き沈みを表す比喩的用法を理解できないことがある。
Example
Example 1Basic 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.
Example 2Applied 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.
Quick check
Meaning
What does 「三寒四温」 mean?