clima
/ˈklima/masculine
The English word "climate" is translated into Spanish as clima.
clima is used to refer to long-term atmospheric patterns and conditions.
Meaning: long-term atmospheric conditions (noun)
Which one should you use?
While clima refers to long-term atmospheric patterns, the word tiempo is used to refer to the daily weather.
How does it change in a sentence?
clima is a masculine noun and requires the masculine article el when used in the singular (e.g., el clima).
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈklima/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use clima to mean the daily state of the atmosphere (weather). Instead, use tiempo for daily weather and reserve clima for long-term patterns.
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the word clima can also be used metaphorically to describe the social or emotional atmosphere of a place. For example, un clima de tensión describes a 'climate of tension' in a room or a political situation.
- The Spanish word clima descends from the Ancient Greek word for 'slope' or 'incline'. This reflects the ancient belief that climate zones were determined by the angle or slope of the earth's surface relative to the sun.
- The verb climatizar is commonly used in Spanish-speaking countries as a technical term for installing or using air conditioning to regulate a room's temperature.
Examples in context
- ¿Ha cambiado el clima?Has the climate changed?This sentence is useful for asking if the clima has changed.Tatoeba #3698374 by cueyayotl, translation #3553374 by vvv123
- El clima está templado.The climate here is mild.This sentence is useful for describing the clima as mild.Tatoeba #952885 by hayastan, translation #61699 by CK
- El clima está cambiando.The climate is changing.This sentence is useful for stating that the clima is currently changing.Tatoeba #538624 by Shishir, translation #453920 by saeb
- El clima de esta región es muy cálidoThe climate of this region is very warm.
- El cambio en la atmósfera afecta al climaThe change in the atmosphere affects the climate.
- 50 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Lucía are discussing moving to a new city.
- AlejandroMe gusta el clima de esta ciudad.I like the climate of this city.
- LucíaSí, el clima es muy agradable aquí.Yes, the climate is very pleasant here.
- AlejandroEs mejor que el clima de mi pueblo.It is better than the climate of my town.
- LucíaTienes razón, Alejandro.You are right, Alejandro.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “climate” translations and entries clima, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries clima, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
