fresco
/ˈfɾesko/
The Spanish word for chilly is fresco.
The word fresco describes weather or an ambient temperature that is cold enough to cause discomfort. When describing the weather or the ambient temperature, it is idiomatic to use the verb hacer (to make/do) rather than ser or estar, such as in the phrase hace fresco.
Meaning: cold enough to cause discomfort (adj)
Which one should you use?
While fresco implies a mild, pleasant or slightly uncomfortable chill, the word frío is used for much colder temperatures.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, particularly in Central America, the term sereno(a) is used to describe chilly weather during the evening or night.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, fresco must agree in gender with the noun it modifies. Use the feminine form fresca if the noun is feminine.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈfɾesko/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, if someone says they are feeling fresco, they might not be talking about the temperature at all, but rather implying they are feeling relaxed or even a bit cheeky or shameless.
- The word fresco is also the name of a common type of painting technique involving wet plaster, which is a technique used to create murals.
- The word fresco shares a distant ancestor with the English word 'fresh', both stemming from roots that imply a state of being new or cool.
Examples in context
- Empieza a hacer fresco.It's getting chilly.This sentence uses fresco to describe the weather getting chilly.Tatoeba #8614955 by arh, translation #2249081 by CK
- Hace demasiado fresco para sentarnos aquí.It's too chilly for us to sit here.This sentence uses fresco to describe how the temperature affects the ability to sit outside.Tatoeba #13726005 by Seael, translation #13728614 by rul
- Hace fresco.It's chilly.This sentence uses fresco to state that it is chilly.Tatoeba #4557908 by swyter, translation #282666 by CK
- El clima está fresco hoy.The weather is chilly today.
- Hoy hace un poco de fresquito.It's a little chilly today.
- Si sales en la noche, sentirás el sereno.If you go out at night, you will feel the chill.
Example conversation
A couple is walking in a park in the evening.
- MaríaEstá un poco fresco, ¿verdad?It's a bit chilly, right?
- AlejandroSí, deberías ponerte una chaqueta.Yes, you should put on a jacket.
- MaríaTienes razón, Alejandro.You're right, Alejandro.
- AlejandroVamos a casa entonces.Let's go home then.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry fresco, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries fresco, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
