In 15 Seconds
- The standard way to say 'It's cold today' in Chinese.
- Uses 'hěn' as a bridge between the subject and adjective.
- Perfect for small talk, texting, or starting a conversation.
Meaning
This is a simple way to tell someone that the weather is chilly today. It is the perfect conversation starter for when you step outside and feel a nip in the air.
Key Examples
3 of 6Walking outside with a friend
哇，今天很冷！
Wow, it's cold today!
Entering the office and greeting a colleague
早安，今天很冷。
Good morning, it's cold today.
Texting a sibling to remind them to dress warmly
今天很冷，记得穿外套。
It's cold today, remember to wear a coat.
Cultural Background
In Chinese culture, commenting on the weather is a standard 'safe' social lubricant. It often leads to 'health advice' where people suggest drinking hot water or wearing more layers. This reflects a traditional focus on 'Yang' energy and staying warm to maintain health.
The 'Hěn' Secret
Don't translate '很' as 'very' every time. Most of the time, it's just a grammatical placeholder that means 'is'.
Avoid 'Shì'
Never say '今天是很冷'. Using 'shì' (is) with adjectives is a common mistake for English speakers.
In 15 Seconds
- The standard way to say 'It's cold today' in Chinese.
- Uses 'hěn' as a bridge between the subject and adjective.
- Perfect for small talk, texting, or starting a conversation.
What It Means
今天很冷 (Jīntiān hěn lěng) is your bread and butter for weather talk. It literally translates to "Today very cold." In Chinese, you do not need the word "is" when using adjectives. The word 很 (hěn) usually fills that gap. It means "very," but often it just acts like a bridge. Without it, the sentence feels a bit naked or like you are making a direct comparison. It is the most natural way to comment on a low temperature.
How To Use It
Just say it as you walk into a room or meet a friend. You can add an exclamation like 哇 (Wā!) at the start for emphasis. If you want to turn it into a question, add 吗 (ma) at the end. For example, 今天很冷吗？ (Is it cold today?). It is a great way to break the ice—pun intended. You can also swap 冷 (lěng) for other weather words easily. It is the ultimate template for daily small talk.
When To Use It
Use it when you are shivering at a bus stop. Use it when you are texting a friend to remind them to wear a coat. It is perfect for the elevator with a neighbor you barely know. In a professional meeting, it works as a safe opening topic. Everyone experiences the weather, so it is a universal connector. Even if it is just slightly chilly, this phrase fits.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this if you are inside a sauna or a heated room. That would just be confusing! Also, avoid using it in a very poetic or literary setting. It is a bit too plain for a romance novel. If you are actually freezing to death, 很冷 might be too mild. You might want something stronger like 冻死了 (dòng sǐ le), meaning "freezing to death." Keep it for standard daily temperatures.
Cultural Background
In China, talking about the weather is a polite way to show care. It is less about the meteorology and more about the connection. Older generations might follow this up by telling you to wear long underwear. This is called 穿秋裤 (chuān qiūkù). It is a classic sign of affection from Chinese parents or grandparents. If someone agrees with you, they are acknowledging your shared physical experience.
Common Variations
You can make it stronger by saying 今天太冷了 (Jīntiān tài lěng le). This means "Today is too cold." If it is just a little bit cold, say 今天有点儿冷 (Jīntiān yǒudiǎnr lěng). If you want to ask someone's opinion, say 今天冷不冷？ (Is it cold today or not?). You can also specify the time, like 今天早上很冷 (It was very cold this morning). These variations help you sound more like a native speaker.
Usage Notes
This is a neutral, everyday expression. It is safe for all audiences and carries no hidden negative connotations.
The 'Hěn' Secret
Don't translate '很' as 'very' every time. Most of the time, it's just a grammatical placeholder that means 'is'.
Avoid 'Shì'
Never say '今天是很冷'. Using 'shì' (is) with adjectives is a common mistake for English speakers.
The Long John Index
If someone tells you '今天很冷', they might follow up with '穿秋裤了吗?' (Are you wearing long johns?). It's a sign they care about your health!
Examples
6哇，今天很冷！
Wow, it's cold today!
Adding 'wa' makes it sound more natural and reactive.
早安，今天很冷。
Good morning, it's cold today.
A polite way to start a workday conversation.
今天很冷，记得穿外套。
It's cold today, remember to wear a coat.
Shows care and affection through weather advice.
今天很冷，车怎么还不来？
It's cold today, why hasn't the bus come yet?
Expressing mild frustration about the wait and the weather.
你不觉得今天很冷吗？
Don't you think it's cold today?
A humorous way to point out someone's inappropriate clothing.
今天很冷，对吧？
It's cold today, right?
Classic small talk to avoid awkward silence.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence to say 'It's cold today.'
今天 ___ 冷。
In Chinese, we use '很' (hěn) instead of '是' (shì) to link a noun to an adjective.
How do you ask if it is cold today?
今天很冷 ___ ？
Adding '吗' (ma) at the end of a statement turns it into a yes/no question.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Jīntiān hěn lěng'
Talking to friends or family.
今天很冷！
Talking to neighbors or shopkeepers.
今天很冷。
Starting a speech or meeting.
各位，今天很冷。
Where to use '今天很冷'
At the bus stop
Complaining about the wind.
WeChat message
Warning a friend to dress up.
Office pantry
Making small talk while getting coffee.
At home
Deciding whether to turn on the heater.
Practice Bank
2 exercises今天 ___ 冷。
In Chinese, we use '很' (hěn) instead of '是' (shì) to link a noun to an adjective.
今天很冷 ___ ？
Adding '吗' (ma) at the end of a statement turns it into a yes/no question.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, using 是 (shì) with adjectives is grammatically incorrect in this context. Use 很 (hěn) to connect the subject to the adjective.
Not always! In 今天很冷, it often just functions like the English word 'is'. If you want to say 'extremely cold', use 非常 (fēicháng).
Not at all. It is a perfectly safe and neutral way to start small talk before a meeting begins.
You can say 今天有一点儿冷 (Jīntiān yǒu yìdiǎnr lěng). This is very common when the cold is just starting to set in.
Use the phrase 冻死了 (dòng sǐ le), which literally means 'freezing to death'. It is more dramatic and common in casual speech.
Yes, it is standard Mandarin. However, in the south, people might complain about 'wet cold' (湿冷 - shīlěng), which feels much colder.
You can say 是对啊 (shì de, duì a) meaning 'Yes, that's right' or 我也觉得 (wǒ yě juéde) meaning 'I think so too'.
No, 冷 is for weather or objects. For food that has gone cold, you usually use 凉了 (liáng le).
The opposite is 今天很热 (Jīntiān hěn rè), which means 'It's hot today'.
Adding 了 (le) as in 今天冷了 implies a change in weather, like 'It has become cold now'.
Related Phrases
今天很热 (Today is hot)
刮风了 (It's getting windy)
下雪了 (It's snowing)
多穿点衣服 (Wear more clothes)
外面很冷 (It's cold outside)
