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सर्दी

A1 noun #400 most common 10 min read

सर्दी

sardi Top 400

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips सर्दी in 30 Seconds

Explanation सर्दी in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'Sardi' is one of the first environmental words you learn. You should focus on its two main meanings: 'winter' and 'a cold'. At this stage, you only need to use it in simple Subject-Verb-Object sentences. For example, 'Sardi hai' (It is cold) or 'Mujhe sardi hai' (I have a cold). You should also learn that it is a feminine noun, so you say 'Badi sardi' (big cold). The goal is to recognize the word in daily conversation about weather and health. You will mostly hear it paired with 'hai' (is) or 'lag rahi hai' (is feeling). It is a vital word for basic survival and social interaction in Hindi-speaking regions, especially during the winter months. Practice saying it with a soft 'd' sound, as in the English word 'the', rather than a hard 'd'.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'Sardi' with more complex verbs and postpositions. You should be able to say 'Sardi ke mausam mein' (In the winter season) and understand the use of 'lagna' for catching a cold ('Mujhe sardi lag gayi'). You start to distinguish between 'Sardi' (the season/illness) and 'Thanda' (an adjective for things like water). You can describe your symptoms more clearly to a doctor or a friend. You should also be able to use basic adjectives like 'Bahut' (very) or 'Thodi' (a little) with 'Sardi'. For example, 'Aaj thodi sardi kam hai' (Today the cold is a little less). You are moving from just naming the state to describing changes in the state of the weather or your health.

At the B1 level, you can use 'Sardi' in more descriptive and narrative contexts. You might talk about your favorite things to do in winter ('Sardi mein mujhe dhoop mein baithna pasand hai'). You understand the compound 'Sardi-zukaam' and can use it naturally. You are also introduced to the idea of 'Gulabi sardi' (pleasant early winter). Your grammar should be more precise, correctly applying feminine agreements in past, present, and future tenses ('Sardi hogi' - It will be cold). You can also use 'Sardi' in 'if-then' sentences, such as 'Agar tum bahar jaoge, toh tumhe sardi lag jayegi' (If you go outside, you will catch a cold). You are becoming comfortable with the word's role in daily life and cultural habits.

At the B2 level, you use 'Sardi' with more sophisticated vocabulary and idiomatic expressions. You might encounter the word in news reports about 'Sheet-lehar' (cold waves) or 'Kohra' (fog). You can discuss the impact of 'Sardi' on the economy or public health. You understand the difference between 'Sardi' and more formal terms like 'Sheet'. You can use the word metaphorically, though it's less common, to describe a cold atmosphere or a lack of warmth in a situation. You are also able to explain the cultural significance of winter in North India, including festivals like Lohri or Makar Sankranti that are celebrated during 'Sardi'. Your use of the word is fluid and contextually appropriate.

At the C1 level, you appreciate the nuances of 'Sardi' in literature, poetry, and formal discourse. You can analyze how poets use 'Sardi' to evoke feelings of isolation, coziness, or the passage of time. You are familiar with Urdu-inflected synonyms like 'Khunki' and can use them in the right register. You understand the historical context of how the word 'Sard' entered Hindi from Persian and its linguistic evolution. You can engage in deep conversations about the changing patterns of 'Sardi' due to climate change, using technical and academic vocabulary. Your command over the feminine gender agreement of 'Sardi' is flawless, even in complex, multi-clause sentences.

At the C2 level, your understanding of 'Sardi' is native-like and encompasses all its subtle shades. You can use the word in high-level academic writing or professional medical contexts. You are aware of regional dialects and how 'Sardi' might be replaced by other words in different parts of India (like 'Thand' in Punjab or 'Thandi' in some southern dialects). You can pun with the word or use it in complex wordplay. You have a deep grasp of the sensory and emotional associations the word carries for a native speaker. You can navigate any conversation, from a street-side chat about the morning frost to a philosophical discussion on the 'coldness' of modern life, using 'Sardi' and its related forms with absolute precision and cultural resonance.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

सर्दी in 30 Seconds

Sardi is a versatile Hindi noun meaning cold weather, the winter season, or a common cold illness.
It is a feminine noun, requiring feminine adjectives (badi) and verb forms (aayi, thi).
Commonly paired with 'lagna' (to feel/catch) and 'hona' (to have/be).
Essential for daily conversation in North India during the months of November to February.

The Hindi word सर्दी (Sardi) is a multifaceted noun that every beginner learner must master early in their journey. Derived from the Persian word 'Sard' (meaning cold), it has integrated deeply into the Hindi-Urdu lexicon. Primarily, it functions in three distinct but related semantic domains: the physical sensation of being cold, the specific season of winter, and the common medical ailment known as a cold or upper respiratory infection. Understanding which 'Sardi' someone is referring to depends heavily on the verbal construction used alongside it.

The Seasonal Aspect: In Northern India, where seasonal variations are extreme, 'Sardi' refers to the winter months typically spanning from November to February. It is not just a temperature; it is a cultural period associated with heavy woolens, hot tea, and specific winter delicacies. When used as a season, it is often paired with 'ka mausam' (season of).

दिल्ली में सर्दी बहुत बढ़ गई है। (The cold/winter has increased a lot in Delhi.)

The Health Aspect: When a person says 'Mujhe sardi hai,' they are rarely talking about the weather. They are informing you that they have caught a cold. In this context, 'Sardi' is synonymous with symptoms like sneezing, congestion, or a runny nose. It is frequently paired with 'zukaam' (cough/cold) to form the compound 'sardi-zukaam'.

Culturally, 'Sardi' is more than just a temperature reading. In the vast plains of the Ganges, the arrival of 'Sardi' transforms daily life. People move their activities to the sun-drenched rooftops during the day and huddle around 'angeethis' (charcoal braziers) at night. Because many homes in India do not have central heating, the physical experience of 'Sardi' is much more immediate and shared than in many Western countries. This shared experience makes the word a frequent topic of small talk, much like the weather in the UK.

क्या आपको सर्दी लग रही है? (Are you feeling cold?)

The Sensation: The third usage is the immediate physical sensation. If you touch ice or step into an air-conditioned room, you might remark on the 'sardi'. However, for 'feeling' cold, Hindi speakers usually use the verb 'lagna' (to feel/to be struck by). If you say 'Mujhe sardi lag rahi hai,' it implies you are currently shivering or feeling the chill.

आज सुबह बहुत सर्दी थी। (It was very cold this morning.)

बच्चे को सर्दी से बचाओ। (Protect the child from the cold.)

गर्म कपड़े पहनो, बाहर सर्दी है। (Wear warm clothes, it is cold outside.)

Using सर्दी correctly requires an understanding of Hindi's unique verb-noun pairings. Unlike English, where you 'have' a cold or 'are' cold, Hindi uses 'lagna' (to feel/attach) or 'hona' (to be/happen). This section explores the grammatical nuances that will make your Hindi sound natural and native-like.

Subject-Verb Agreement: Since 'Sardi' is feminine, any adjective modifying it must end in 'ee'. For example, 'Badi sardi' (Great cold) or 'Pichli sardi' (Last winter). If you use a verb like 'padna' (to fall/to occur), it becomes 'Sardi pad rahi hai' (Cold is falling/It is getting cold).

इस साल सर्दी जल्दी आ गई। (Winter/Cold arrived early this year.)

One of the most common constructions for beginners is expressing illness. To say 'I have a cold,' you use the possessive-like structure: 'Mujhe sardi hai.' Here, 'Mujhe' (to me) is the indirect subject. If the cold is severe, you might say 'Mujhe bahut tez sardi hai.' Notice how the word 'tez' (sharp/fast) is used here to mean 'severe'.

The 'Lagna' Construction: The verb 'lagna' is crucial. 'Mujhe sardi lag rahi hai' means 'I am feeling cold.' This is a temporary state. However, 'Mujhe sardi lag gayi' (I caught a cold) uses the perfective form to indicate that the ailment has already taken hold of you. The difference between 'feeling' and 'catching' is subtle but important.

क्या तुम्हें सर्दी लग जाएगी? (Will you catch a cold?)

In more complex sentences, 'Sardi' can act as a modifier. For example, 'Sardi ki raaten' (Winter nights). Here, the 'ki' (of) agrees with 'raaten' (nights, feminine plural). If you were talking about winter days, it would be 'Sardi ke din' (Winter days), where 'ke' agrees with 'din' (days, masculine plural). This level of agreement is where many learners struggle, but mastering it makes you sound highly proficient.

सर्दी के कारण स्कूल बंद हैं। (Schools are closed due to the cold.)

Using 'Sardi' as an Adjective?: While 'Sardi' is a noun, the related adjective is 'Sard' (cold/chilly). You might hear 'Sard hawa' (cold wind). However, in colloquial speech, people often just use 'Sardi' and 'Thand' interchangeably as nouns to describe the environment. 'Bahar bahut sardi hai' (It is very cold outside) is perfectly acceptable and common.

उसे सर्दी की दवा चाहिए। (He needs medicine for a cold.)

If you visit North India during the months of December or January, सर्दी will be the most frequent noun in your vocabulary. It permeates every conversation, from the vegetable vendor complaining about his frozen fingers to the news anchor reporting on the Himalayan snowfall. This section breaks down the specific environments where you will encounter this word.

In the Household: Indian mothers are famously protective against 'Sardi'. You will hear phrases like 'Sardi lag jayegi, sweater pehno' (You'll catch a cold, wear a sweater) or 'Sardi mein thanda paani mat piyo' (Don't drink cold water in winter). The word is central to domestic health management and daily routines.

माँ, मुझे बहुत सर्दी लग रही है। (Mom, I am feeling very cold.)

In public transport, especially the non-AC buses or trains, 'Sardi' is a common topic of bonding between strangers. As the cold wind whistles through the windows, passengers might exchange comments like 'Aaj toh kadake ki sardi hai' (Today is a bone-chilling cold). Here, 'kadake ki' is a common intensifier used specifically with 'Sardi'.

At the Doctor's Clinic: When visiting a local GP (General Practitioner), 'Sardi' is the standard term for a common cold. The doctor might ask, 'Kab se sardi hai?' (Since when do you have a cold?). It is less clinical than 'zukaam' and more general than 'bukhaar' (fever), though they often occur together.

डॉक्टर साहब, बच्चे को सर्दी और खांसी है। (Doctor, the child has a cold and cough.)

In Bollywood movies and literature, 'Sardi' is often romanticized. Think of scenes with fog, heavy coats, and steam rising from coffee mugs. Songs often mention 'Sardi ki raat' (A winter night) as a setting for romance or melancholy. Understanding this word helps you grasp the atmospheric setting of many Hindi stories.

पुरानी यादें सर्दी की शाम जैसी होती हैं। (Old memories are like a winter evening.)

In the Marketplace: You will see signs for 'Sardi ke kapde' (Winter clothes) or 'Sardi ki sale' (Winter sale). Shopkeepers will use the word to push products like heaters, blankets (kambal), and quilts (razaai). It becomes a commercial season as much as a climatic one.

इस बार सर्दी में बहुत कोहरा है। (There is a lot of fog in the cold/winter this time.)

Even though सर्दी is an A1 level word, its multiple meanings and feminine gender lead to frequent errors among English speakers. Because English uses 'cold' as both a noun and an adjective, learners often try to translate structures literally, resulting in awkward or incorrect Hindi.

Mistake 1: Gender Confusion: The most common error is treating 'Sardi' as masculine. Learners might say 'Bahut sarda hai' or 'Sardi aaya'. Correct: 'Bahut sardi hai' (It is very cold) and 'Sardi aayi' (Winter arrived). Always pair it with feminine verb forms and adjectives.

Incorrect: बड़ा सर्दी है।
Correct: बड़ी सर्दी है। (It's a big/great cold.)

Another mistake is using 'Sardi' when you should use 'Thanda'. In Hindi, 'Thanda' is an adjective usually applied to objects (cold water, cold food). 'Sardi' is a noun for the weather or health. You cannot say 'Sardi paani' for cold water; you must say 'Thanda paani'. Conversely, you don't usually say 'Mujhe thanda hai' to mean you have a cold; you say 'Mujhe sardi hai'.

Mistake 2: Wrong Verb Choice: English speakers often say 'I am cold' (Main thanda hoon). In Hindi, this sounds like you are saying 'I am a cold person' or 'My body temperature is literally cold' (which might imply you are dead!). To say you feel cold, you must use the indirect construction: 'Mujhe sardi/thand lag rahi hai'.

Incorrect: मैं सर्दी हूँ।
Correct: मुझे सर्दी है। (I have a cold.)

Misusing 'Sardi' and 'Zukaam' is also common. While they are often used together, 'Sardi' can mean the season, but 'Zukaam' only ever means a medical cold. If you say 'Zukaam aa gaya' to mean winter has arrived, no one will understand you. Use 'Sardi' for the season.

Incorrect: जुकाम का मौसम।
Correct: सर्दी का मौसम। (The winter season.)

Mistake 3: Literal Translation of 'Catching': Don't try to use the Hindi verb for 'catch' (pakadna) with 'Sardi'. You don't 'catch' a cold in Hindi; it 'attaches' to you (lagna) or 'happens' to you (hona). Saying 'Maine sardi pakdi' will sound very strange to a native speaker.

Hindi has a rich vocabulary for temperature and health. While सर्दी is a versatile 'catch-all' word, knowing its alternatives will help you be more precise in different contexts, from casual chats to formal writing.

ठंड (Thand) vs. सर्दी (Sardi): 'Thand' is the most common synonym. It specifically refers to the sensation of cold. While 'Sardi' can mean the winter season, 'Thand' is just the temperature. You can have 'Thand' in a rainy July, but you wouldn't usually call it 'Sardi' unless it's the winter months or you're sick.

आज हवा में ठंड है। (There is a chill in the air today.)

For the medical condition, 'Zukaam' is the most direct alternative. While 'Sardi' is a general term for 'feeling under the weather with a cold', 'Zukaam' specifically refers to the nasal congestion and sneezing. In formal medical contexts, 'Zukaam' or 'Pratishyaya' (Sanskritized) might be used, but 'Sardi' remains the king of colloquial speech.

Comparison Table

Sardi: Season, Illness, Sensation (General).
Thand: Sensation of cold (Common).
Zukaam: Nasal cold/Illness (Specific).
Sheet: Cold (Formal/Literary).
Khunki: A slight chill (Urdu-inflected, poetic).

उत्तर भारत में शीत-लहर चल रही है। (A cold wave is ongoing in North India.)

When describing the intensity of the cold, you can use adjectives like 'Kadake ki' (breaking/intense), 'Badi' (big), or 'Sakt' (hard/harsh). For example, 'Sakt sardi' implies a harsh, unforgiving winter. If you want to describe a 'cool' pleasant temperature, use 'Gulabi sardi' (Pink cold). This beautiful phrase refers to the mild, pleasant onset of winter in October/November when the weather is just starting to turn chilly but remains enjoyable.

नवंबर में गुलाबी सर्दी शुरू हो जाती है। (The pleasant 'pink' cold starts in November.)

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"अत्यधिक सर्दी के कारण जनजीवन प्रभावित हुआ है।"

Neutral

"आज बहुत सर्दी है, स्वेटर पहन लो।"

Informal

"यार, बड़ी सर्दी है आज तो!"

Child friendly

"चलो, सर्दी आ गई, अब हम मोज़े पहनेंगे।"

Slang

"सर्दी ने तो वाट लगा दी!"

Fun Fact

The word 'Sard' is cognate with the English word 'Sward' and 'Swarf', and more distantly related to words meaning 'cool' in various Indo-European languages. In Hindi, it has completely replaced many older Sanskrit terms in daily speech.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈsər.diː/

US /ˈsər.di/

The stress is slightly more on the first syllable 'Sar-'.

Rhymes With

वर्दी (Vardi - Uniform) गर्दी (Gardi - Crowd/Chaos) दर्दी (Dardi - Someone in pain) ज़र्दी (Zardi - Yellowness/Egg yolk) बेदर्दी (Bedardi - Cruelty) शार्दी (Shardi - Related to autumn) हल्दी (Haldi - Turmeric - partial rhyme) जल्दी (Jaldi - Quickly - partial rhyme)

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'd' as a hard English 'd' (like 'dog'). It should be dental.
Making the 'r' too heavy.
Treating it as a masculine word in speech.
Confusing it with 'Sarda' (a type of melon).
Misplacing the nasalization (there is no nasal sound in Sardi).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very easy to read, common characters.

Writing 2/5

Requires remembering the 'half-r' (reph) on top of 'd'.

Speaking 2/5

Dental 'd' needs practice for English speakers.

Listening 1/5

Distinct sound, easy to pick out in conversation.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

मौसम (Mausam) है (Hai) बहुत (Bahut) लगना (Lagna) होना (Hona)

Learn Next

गर्मी (Garmi) बारिश (Baarish) बुखार (Bukhaar) दवा (Dawa) कपड़े (Kapde)

Advanced

शीत-लहर (Sheet-lehar) ठिठुरन (Thithuran) कोहरा (Kohra) ओस (Os) पाला (Paala)

Grammar to Know

Feminine Gender Agreement

Sardi achhi hai (not achha).

Indirect Subject with 'Lagna'

Mujhe sardi lag rahi hai (To me, cold is feeling).

Postposition 'Ke' with Masculine Plural

Sardi ke din (Winter days).

Postposition 'Ki' with Feminine

Sardi ki raat (Winter night).

Perfective Tense for Illness

Sardi ho gayi (Cold has happened/I caught a cold).

Examples by Level

आज बहुत सर्दी है।

Today is very cold.

'Sardi' is the subject, 'hai' is the verb.

मुझे सर्दी है।

I have a cold.

Uses the 'Mujhe' (to me) construction for illness.

सर्दी आ गई।

Winter has arrived.

Feminine verb 'aayi' agrees with 'Sardi'.

क्या आपको सर्दी लग रही है?

Are you feeling cold?

Uses 'lag rahi hai' for a current sensation.

बाहर सर्दी है।

It is cold outside.

'Bahar' means outside.

यह सर्दी का महीना है।

This is the month of winter.

'Ka' changes to 'ki' if the following noun was feminine, but 'maheena' is masculine.

मुझे सर्दी पसंद है।

I like winter/cold.

'Pasand' means like.

बड़ी सर्दी है!

It's so cold!

'Badi' is the feminine form of 'Bada' (big/very).

कल रात बहुत सर्दी थी।

It was very cold last night.

Past tense feminine 'thi'.

उसे सर्दी लग गई है।

He/She has caught a cold.

Perfective 'lag gayi' indicates the action is complete.

सर्दी में गर्म पानी पियो।

Drink warm water in winter.

Imperative sentence with 'mein' (in).

मुझे सर्दी की दवा चाहिए।

I need medicine for a cold.

'Ki' links 'Sardi' to 'Dawa' (medicine).

इस साल सर्दी कम है।

The cold is less this year.

'Kam' means less.

सर्दी के कपड़े निकालो।

Take out the winter clothes.

'Ke' agrees with 'kapde' (clothes, masculine plural).

क्या आपको सर्दी से डर लगता है?

Are you afraid of the cold?

'Se darr lagna' means to be afraid of.

सर्दी की वजह से स्कूल बंद हैं।

Schools are closed because of the cold.

'Ki vajah se' means because of.

सर्दी के मौसम में चाय बहुत अच्छी लगती है।

Tea feels very good in the winter season.

General statement using 'achhi lagti hai'.

अगर तुम स्वेटर नहीं पहनोगे, तो तुम्हें सर्दी लग जाएगी।

If you don't wear a sweater, you will catch a cold.

Conditional 'Agar... toh' sentence.

मुझे गुलाबी सर्दी का इंतज़ार है।

I am waiting for the pleasant early winter.

'Gulabi sardi' is a common idiomatic phrase.

सर्दी की रातों में रजाई सबसे अच्छी होती है।

In winter nights, a quilt is the best thing.

'Sabse achhi' means the best.

क्या वहां भी इतनी ही सर्दी है?

Is it just as cold there too?

'Itni hi' means this much/the same.

सर्दी-जुकाम के लिए अदरक की चाय पियो।

Drink ginger tea for a cold and cough.

Compound noun 'Sardi-zukaam'.

पहाड़ों पर सर्दी बहुत जल्दी शुरू हो जाती है।

Winter starts very early in the mountains.

Adverbial phrase 'bahut jaldi'.

उसने सर्दी की छुट्टियों में दिल्ली घूमने का प्लान बनाया।

He planned to visit Delhi during the winter holidays.

'Sardi ki chuttiyan' means winter holidays.

बढ़ती सर्दी के कारण प्रशासन ने रैन बसेरे खोले हैं।

Due to the increasing cold, the administration has opened night shelters.

Formal vocabulary like 'prashasan' (administration).

इस बार की सर्दी ने पिछले दस सालों का रिकॉर्ड तोड़ दिया।

This year's cold broke the record of the last ten years.

Using 'record todna' (to break a record).

सर्दी की सुबह कोहरे की चादर से ढकी रहती है।

Winter mornings remain covered with a sheet of fog.

Metaphorical use of 'chadar' (sheet/blanket).

गरीबों के लिए कड़ाके की सर्दी एक बड़ी चुनौती है।

Bone-chilling cold is a big challenge for the poor.

'Kadake ki' is a specific intensifier for cold.

डॉक्टर ने सलाह दी कि सर्दी में बच्चों का खास ख्याल रखें।

The doctor advised to take special care of children in winter.

Indirect speech with 'ki'.

सर्दी के दिनों में धूप सेंकना एक अलग ही आनंद देता है।

Basking in the sun during winter days gives a unique joy.

'Dhoop sekna' is the specific verb for sunbathing.

जैसे-जैसे सर्दी बढ़ती है, प्रदूषण का स्तर भी बढ़ जाता है।

As the cold increases, the pollution level also rises.

Correlative 'Jaise-jaise... waise-waise' structure.

उसकी बातों में एक अजीब सी सर्दी थी।

There was a strange coldness in his words.

Metaphorical use of 'Sardi' for emotional distance.

साहित्य में सर्दी अक्सर एकाकीपन का प्रतीक मानी जाती है।

In literature, winter is often considered a symbol of loneliness.

Academic/Literary vocabulary.

उत्तरी भारत की सर्दी अपनी तीव्रता के लिए जानी जाती है।

The winter of North India is known for its intensity.

Passive construction 'jaani jaati hai'.

जलवायु परिवर्तन के कारण सर्दी का चक्र अनिश्चित हो गया है।

Due to climate change, the winter cycle has become uncertain.

Scientific/Environmental context.

कवि ने सर्दी की शाम का वर्णन बड़े ही मार्मिक ढंग से किया है।

The poet has described the winter evening in a very touching manner.

'Marmik' means touching/poignant.

सर्दी की ठिठुरन में भी किसान अपने खेतों में काम करते हैं।

Even in the shivering cold of winter, farmers work in their fields.

'Thithuran' is a high-level word for shivering/chill.

इस उपन्यास की पृष्ठभूमि में लंदन की कड़ाके की सर्दी है।

The background of this novel is the harsh winter of London.

'Prashtbhumi' means background/setting.

सर्दी के प्रकोप से बचने के लिए उचित खान-पान ज़रूरी है।

Proper diet is necessary to avoid the wrath of winter.

'Prakop' means wrath/outbreak.

उसने अपनी यादों को सर्दी की पुरानी शॉल की तरह ओढ़ लिया।

He wrapped his memories around him like an old winter shawl.

Highly metaphorical/poetic sentence.

सर्दी की यह खामोशी रूह तक को कंपा देने वाली है।

This silence of winter is enough to make even the soul shiver.

Deeply evocative and complex structure.

हिमालयी क्षेत्रों में सर्दी का साम्राज्य छह महीने तक रहता है।

In the Himalayan regions, the reign of winter lasts for six months.

Metaphorical use of 'Samrajya' (empire/reign).

क्या मानवीय संवेदनाओं में भी अब सर्दी घर कर गई है?

Has coldness now settled even within human emotions?

Philosophical inquiry using 'ghar kar jana' (to settle in).

सर्दी के आगमन के साथ ही प्रवासी पक्षियों का तांता लग जाता है।

With the arrival of winter, there is an influx of migratory birds.

'Taanta lagna' is an idiom for a continuous stream.

शहरीकरण ने सर्दी के उस पारंपरिक अहसास को बदल दिया है।

Urbanization has changed that traditional feeling of winter.

Sociological observation.

सर्दी की उस धुंधली दोपहर में वक्त जैसे ठहर सा गया था।

In that misty winter afternoon, time seemed to have stood still.

Narrative style using 'sa gaya tha'.

आयुर्वेद के अनुसार, सर्दी का प्रभाव शरीर के दोषों पर पड़ता है।

According to Ayurveda, the effect of cold falls on the body's humors (doshas).

Technical/Scientific context.

सर्दी की विदाई के साथ ही वसंत की पदचाप सुनाई देने लगी है।

With the departure of winter, the footsteps of spring are beginning to be heard.

Personification of seasons.

Synonyms

ठंड शीत जुकाम जाड़ा शीतलता

Antonyms

गर्मी ताप ऊष्मा

Common Collocations

कड़ाके की सर्दी

गुलाबी सर्दी

सर्दी लगना

सर्दी का मौसम

सर्दी की छुट्टियाँ

सर्दी-जुकाम

सर्दी बैठना

सर्दी से बचना

सर्दी का प्रकोप

सर्दी की रात

Common Phrases

सर्दी हो गई है

— I/someone has caught a cold. Used to state the current health status.

मुझे बहुत तेज़ सर्दी हो गई है।

सर्दी पड़ रही है

— It is currently cold (weather). Used to describe the environmental state.

आज कल बहुत सर्दी पड़ रही है।

सर्दी का मारा

— Affected or suffering from the cold. Often used for people or crops.

वह बेचारा सर्दी का मारा कांप रहा है।

सर्दी लग जाएगी

— You will catch a cold. A common warning given to children.

नंगे पैर मत चलो, सर्दी लग जाएगी।

सर्दी से बुरा हाल

— In a bad state due to the cold. Used to emphasize extreme discomfort.

सर्दी से सबका बुरा हाल है।

सर्दी की मार

— The brunt or impact of the cold. Often used in news about poverty.

बेघरों पर सर्दी की मार भारी पड़ रही है।

सर्दी का तोहफा

— A gift of winter. Usually used sarcastically for a cold/illness.

यह ज़ुकाम सर्दी का तोहफा है।

सर्दी में ठिठुरना

— To shiver in the cold. Describes the physical reaction to low temperature.

वह बाहर सर्दी में ठिठुर रहा था।

सर्दी की धूप

— Winter sunshine. Highly valued and enjoyed in India.

सर्दी की धूप बहुत प्यारी लगती है।

सर्दी का इंतज़ार

— Waiting for winter. Used by people who dislike the summer heat.

सबको सर्दी का इंतज़ार है।

Often Confused With

सर्दी vs सफेद (Safed)

Sounds slightly similar to a beginner, but means 'White'.

सर्दी vs शादी (Shaadi)

Means 'Wedding'. Be careful with the 'r' sound in Sardi.

सर्दी vs सवारी (Sawari)

Means 'Ride/Passenger'. Similar rhythm.

Idioms & Expressions

"सर्दी खा जाना"

— To be affected by cold, often leading to illness. Literally 'to eat cold'.

उसने आइसक्रीम खाई और उसे सर्दी खा गई।

Informal

"खून सफेद होना"

— While not using 'Sardi', it means to become cold-hearted/cruel.

आजकल लोगों का खून सफेद हो गया है।

Literary

"सर्दी का सितम"

— The cruelty or tyranny of the cold. Very common in news headlines.

पहाड़ों पर सर्दी का सितम जारी है।

Journalistic

"ठंडा पड़ना"

— To cool down, lose enthusiasm, or become quiet. Related to the concept of cold.

गुस्सा होने के बाद वह अब ठंडा पड़ गया है।

Neutral

"सर्दी में पसीना आना"

— To be extremely scared or nervous (to sweat even in the cold).

शेर को देखकर उसे सर्दी में पसीना आ गया।

Informal

"सर्दी की आग"

— A fire lit during winter for warmth. Also used metaphorically for a small hope.

गरीबों के लिए यह अलाव ही सर्दी की आग है।

Neutral

"सर्दी का मौसम, चाय का प्याला"

— A common saying describing the perfect winter pairing.

बस सर्दी का मौसम हो और हाथ में चाय का प्याला!

Informal

"सर्दी बैठ जाना"

— For a cold to settle deep in the chest or body, implying a long illness.

लापरवाही की वजह से उसकी छाती में सर्दी बैठ गई।

Colloquial

"सर्दी का चाँद"

— The winter moon, often described as clearer but distant/cold.

सर्दी का चाँद बहुत खूबसूरत दिखता है।

Poetic

"सर्दी से जम जाना"

— To freeze from cold. Used hyperbolically.

मैं तो बाहर सर्दी से जम गया!

Informal

Easily Confused

सर्दी vs ठंडा (Thanda)

Both mean 'cold'.

Thanda is an adjective for objects (cold water). Sardi is a noun for weather/illness.

Thanda paani (Cold water) vs Sardi ka mausam (Winter season).

सर्दी vs ठंड (Thand)

Both mean 'cold'.

Thand is the sensation. Sardi is the season or the illness. They are often interchangeable for weather.

Mujhe thand lag rahi hai (I feel cold).

सर्दी vs जुकाम (Zukaam)

Both refer to a cold.

Zukaam is specifically the medical ailment. Sardi is more general.

Mujhe zukaam hai (I have a head cold).

सर्दी vs सर्द (Sard)

Root word.

Sard is the adjective (cold wind). Sardi is the noun (the cold).

Sard hawa (Cold wind).

सर्दी vs शीत (Sheet)

Formal synonym.

Sheet is used in formal/scientific contexts. Sardi is for daily life.

Sheet-lehar (Cold wave).

Sentence Patterns

[Time] + Bahut + Sardi + Hai

Aaj bahut sardi hai.

Mujhe + Sardi + Hai

Mujhe sardi hai.

Mujhe + Sardi + Lag + Gayi

Mujhe sardi lag gayi.

Sardi + Ke + Kapde

Sardi ke kapde pehno.

Agar + [Action], Toh + Sardi + Lag + Jayegi

Agar bahar jaoge, toh sardi lag jayegi.

Sardi + Mein + [Activity] + Achha + Lagta + Hai

Sardi mein dhoop mein baithna achha lagta hai.

Sardi + Ke + Kaaran + [Result]

Sardi ke kaaran school band hain.

Sardi + Ka + Prakop + [Verb]

Sardi ka prakop badh raha hai.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high during winter months, high year-round in medical contexts.

Common Mistakes

Main sardi hoon. → Mujhe sardi hai.
You cannot 'be' a cold; you 'have' a cold in Hindi.
Bahut sarda hai. → Bahut sardi hai.
Sardi is feminine; the adjective must match or be neutral 'bahut'.
Sardi paani. → Thanda paani.
Sardi is a noun; use the adjective 'Thanda' for objects like water.
Maine sardi pakdi. → Mujhe sardi lag gayi.
You don't 'catch' (pakadna) a cold in Hindi; it 'attaches' (lagna) to you.
Sardi ka mausam achha hai. → Sardi ka mausam achha hai.
Wait, this is correct! But learners often say 'Sardi ki mausam' because Sardi is feminine. Remember, 'ka' agrees with 'mausam' (masculine).

Tips

Gender Matters

Always remember Sardi is feminine. This is the #1 mistake for learners. 'Sardi aayi' (Winter came) is correct.

Sardi vs Thanda

Use Sardi for the environment/health and Thanda for things you can touch or drink.

Winter Rituals

Mentioning 'Sardi ki chai' (Winter tea) is a great way to start a friendly conversation with a Hindi speaker.

Catching a Cold

Use the verb 'lagna' to say you caught a cold: 'Mujhe sardi lag gayi'.

Soft 'D'

Keep the 'd' soft. If it sounds like the 'd' in 'door', it's too hard.

The Half-R

The 'r' in Sardi is written as a 'reph' (a small curve) on top of the 'd' (दी).

Regional Use

In North India, Sardi is a season. In South India, it's usually just a runny nose.

Gulabi Sardi

Use 'Gulabi Sardi' to describe that perfect, not-too-cold weather in November.

News Keywords

When you hear 'Sardi' on the news, look out for 'Lehar' (wave) to know they are talking about a cold wave.

Small Talk

Complaining about the 'Sardi' is the most common way to bond with strangers in North India during winter.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Sardine' (Sardi-ne) in a cold tin. Sardines are kept cold, and 'Sardi' means cold!

Visual Association

Imagine a woman (since it's feminine) wearing a 'Saree' but shivering because of the 'Sardi'. Saree and Sardi start similarly.

Word Web

Winter Cold Flu Sweater Tea Fog January Shiver

Challenge

Try to use 'Sardi' in three different ways today: once for the weather, once for an illness, and once for the season.

Word Origin

Sardi comes from the Persian word 'Sard' (سرد), which means cold. It entered Hindi through the influence of Persian in the Mughal courts and the subsequent development of Hindustani.

Original meaning: In Persian, 'Sard' simply means cold. The suffix '-i' was added in Hindustani to turn the adjective into a noun.

Indo-Aryan (with Persian roots).

Cultural Context

Be sensitive when talking about 'Sardi' in India; while it's a holiday for some, it's a struggle for the poor who lack proper housing.

English speakers often use 'cold' as an adjective. Remember that in Hindi, 'Sardi' is primarily a noun. You don't 'be' cold, you 'feel' it.

The song 'Sardi ki raaton mein' from various Bollywood films. Premchand's famous short story 'Poos Ki Raat' which describes a horrific night of Sardi. News headlines every January: 'Dilli mein Sardi ka Sitam'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Weather Talk

आज कितनी सर्दी है?
कल बहुत सर्दी थी।
सर्दी बढ़ रही है।
धूप में सर्दी कम लगती है।

Health/Doctor

मुझे सर्दी हो गई है।
क्या यह सर्दी-जुकाम है?
सर्दी की कोई दवा दीजिए।
उसे दो दिन से सर्दी है।

Shopping

सर्दी के कपड़े कहाँ हैं?
यह जैकेट सर्दी के लिए अच्छी है।
सर्दी की सेल कब शुरू होगी?
मुझे गरम कंबल चाहिए।

Home/Family

सर्दी लग जाएगी, अंदर आओ।
सर्दी में सूप पीना अच्छा है।
गीले बालों में बाहर मत जाओ, सर्दी होगी।
आज सर्दी की वजह से स्कूल नहीं जाना।

Travel

क्या पहाड़ों पर बहुत सर्दी है?
सर्दी की छुट्टियों में हम शिमला जाएंगे।
ट्रेन में बहुत सर्दी लग रही थी।
वहाँ की सर्दी कैसी है?

Conversation Starters

"आज तो कड़ाके की सर्दी है, है ना?"

"आपको सर्दी का मौसम कैसा लगता है?"

"क्या आपको भी सर्दी-जुकाम हो गया है?"

"सर्दी से बचने के लिए आप क्या करते हैं?"

"इस बार सर्दी जल्दी आ गई, आपका क्या ख्याल है?"

Journal Prompts

आज की सर्दी के बारे में पाँच वाक्य लिखें।

आपको सर्दी पसंद है या गर्मी? क्यों?

जब आपको सर्दी होती है, तो आप कैसा महसूस करते हैं?

अपनी पसंदीदा सर्दी की याद के बारे में लिखें।

सर्दी के मौसम में आपके शहर में क्या बदलाव आते हैं?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Sardi is a feminine noun. You must use feminine adjectives like 'badi' or 'achhi' and feminine verb forms like 'thi' or 'aayi'.

You say 'Mujhe sardi hai'. You use the indirect subject 'Mujhe' (to me).

Sardi can mean the winter season or a medical cold, while Thand usually just refers to the sensation of cold temperature. However, for weather, they are often used interchangeably.

No. For objects like water or food, use the adjective 'Thanda'. 'Thanda paani' is correct; 'Sardi paani' is wrong.

It literally means 'Pink Cold'. It refers to the pleasant, mild chill at the beginning of winter, which is very enjoyable.

You can say 'Sardi badh rahi hai' (Cold is increasing) or 'Sardi pad rahi hai' (Cold is falling/occurring).

In South India, where there is no real winter, 'Sardi' is almost exclusively used to mean a medical cold (illness).

The opposite of Sardi (as a season/weather) is 'Garmi' (Summer/Heat).

It is a dental 'd'. Touch your tongue to your upper teeth, like when saying 'the' in English.

It is a compound phrase meaning 'cold and cough' or 'common cold symptoms'. It's very common in daily speech.