¿tienes frío?
The English phrase "are you cold?" is translated into Spanish as ¿tienes frío?
This phrase is used to ask if someone feels a low temperature.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, the phrase translates to "Do you have cold?"
How does it change in a sentence?
The form ¿tienes frío? uses the informal tú conjugation of the verb *tener*. To ask the question more formally, use the usted form of the verb in ¿tiene frío?
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying ¿eres frío? as a translation. While it uses the verb 'to be', in Spanish this would actually mean you are asking if someone's personality is cold or unfriendly. Instead, use the verb *tener* (to have) as shown in the correct forms.
Did you know?
- While frío means cold, the word frígido is a separate doublet borrowed from Latin. In modern Spanish, frígido is rarely used for temperature and instead often refers to a lack of sexual responsiveness.
- In Spanish, you do not just 'have cold' tener frío, but you can also 'pass cold' pasar frío. This expression is used to describe the experience of enduring a cold environment over a period of time.
- The Spanish word frío is a distant linguistic cousin to the English words 'fridge' and 'refrigerator'.
Examples in context
- Señor García, ¿tiene frío?Mr. García, are you cold?
- Sí, un poco. Necesito un suéter.Yes, a little. I need a sweater.
- ¿Tienes frío, María?Are you cold, María?
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are sitting in a living room.
- AlejandroElena, ¿tienes frío?Elena, are you cold?
- ElenaSí, un poco. Hace viento afuera.Yes, a little. It is windy outside.
- AlejandroPuedo traerte una manta.I can bring you a blanket.
- ElenaGracias, Alejandro. Sería genial.Thanks, Alejandro. That would be great.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries frío, CC BY-SA 4.0.
