aire
/ˈaiɾe/
The English word 'air' is translated into Spanish as aire.
aire refers to the invisible mixture of gases that surrounds the earth and that humans and animals breathe. While it is often used to discuss the atmosphere, it is also used idiomatically in phrases like dar aire, which means to give someone space or room. If you want to be more specific about air in the context of ventilation, you can use the term ventilación. Additionally, when you are specifically talking about the movement or gusts of air, the word viento serves as an alternative.
Which one should you use?
While aire is the general term for air, viento is used specifically to refer to the movement of air or wind. If you are referring to a light breeze or a gentle gust of wind in an informal context, you can use the diminutive airecito.
How does it change in a sentence?
As a masculine noun, aire is typically preceded by the masculine definite article el (el aire).
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈaiɾe/
When do people say it?
The expression un soplo de aire fresco is used to express that something is a breath of fresh air.
Did you know?
- In Spanish, if someone has un aire to another person, it means they look remarkably similar to them, regardless of whether they are related.
- The Spanish word aire shares its ancient roots with the English word 'east', both descending from the Proto-Indo-European root *h₂ews- which relates to the dawn or light.
- The expression aires de grandeza is used to describe a person who acts with an inflated sense of importance or arrogance.
Examples in context
- La calidad del aire en la ciudad es preocupante.The air quality in the city is worrying.
- ¡Qué agradable airecito hace hoy en la playa!What a pleasant little breeze we have at the beach today!
- Me encanta correr al aire libre todas las mañanas.I love running in the open air every morning.
- El aire está muy frío hoy.The air is very cold today.
- Necesitamos un poco de aire fresco.We need some fresh air.
- El aire se mueve con el viento.The air moves with the wind.
Example conversation
Mateo and María are sitting inside a stuffy room.
- MateoHace mucho calor aquí dentro.It is very hot in here.
- MaríaSí, abramos la ventana para que entre aire.Yes, let's open the window so some air comes in.
- MateoBuena idea, María.Good idea, María.
- MaríaAhora el ambiente es más agradable.Now the atmosphere is more pleasant.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry aire, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aire, CC BY-SA 4.0.
