बहुत सर्दी है

Using this phrase is incredibly easy. You do not need to conjugate anything based on gender here. Just say it as a statement when you feel a chill. You can add aaj at the beginning to say "Today it is very cold." If you want to sound more like a local, sigh slightly while saying it. It adds that perfect touch of shared misery during a cold snap.

Use it whenever the temperature drops below your comfort zone. It is a great conversation starter with strangers at a bus stop. You can use it when entering a room with high air conditioning. Text it to a friend when you do not want to leave your bed. It works in the office, at home, or while shopping. It is the ultimate small-talk tool for the winter months.

Do not use this if you are talking about a cold drink. For a cold soda, you would use the word thanda. Sardi specifically refers to the weather or the season. Also, do not use it to describe a person's personality. If someone is being "cold" or distant, this phrase will not make sense. Stick to the weather, and you will be fine.

In many parts of India, winter is a short but intense season. North Indians, in particular, love to discuss the weather. Sardi is not just a temperature; it is a vibe. It means tea stalls are crowded and everyone is wearing colorful sweaters. People often gather around small fires on the street. Saying bahut sardi hai is an invitation to go grab a hot chai together.

If it is bone-chillingly cold, you can say kadake ki thand hai. This implies a "cracking" or biting cold. If you just want to say "It is cold" without the "very," say sardi hai. Some people use the word thand instead of sardi. Both are correct and interchangeable in most daily conversations. You might also hear aaj toh thand hai which means "Today, it's definitely cold!"