Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| bruma | /ˈbɾuma/ | feminine |
| calima | /kaˈlima/ | feminine |
| calina | /kaˈlina/ | feminine |
In a meteorological sense, these terms refer to very fine particles suspended in the air. While bruma is a general term for a light mist or sea haze, other specific words describe different types of atmospheric haze. When referring to the act of hazing a newcomer, such as in a military or fraternity context, do not use a literal translation of haze. Instead, use the phrase hacer la novatada.
Which one should you use?
bruma is the most common term for a general atmospheric haze or mist, often associated with water or sea air and frequently observed in the early morning. In contrast, calima is a meteorological term used specifically for a haze caused by airborne dust or sand particles, often blown from the Sahara.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
All three nouns for atmospheric haze, bruma, calima and calina, are feminine.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbɾuma/
What mistakes should you avoid?
When you want to say 'to haze' in the sense of performing an initiation ritual on a newcomer, do not use a literal translation of the word haze.
Did you know?
- The word bruma is a direct descendant of the Latin word brūma, which originally referred to the winter solstice.
Examples in context
- La bruma del parabrisas era imposible de quitar.The haze on his windshield was impossible to remove.This sentence shows how bruma can be used to describe a layer of haze on a surface like a windshield.Tatoeba #10532109 by Seael, translation #8988129 by mccarras
- La bruma cubre las montañas esta mañana.The haze covers the mountains this morning.
- Podemos ver una densa bruma sobre el lago.We can see a dense haze over the lake.
Example conversation
Two people are looking at the landscape from a balcony.
- MaríaMira qué bruma hay sobre el valle.Look at how much haze there is over the valley.
- MateoSí, María, casi no se ve el pueblo.Yes, María, you can barely see the town.
- MaríaCreo que la bruma desaparecerá pronto.I think the haze will disappear soon.
- MateoEspero que sí, Mateo quiere tomar fotos.I hope so, Mateo wants to take photos.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “haze” translations and entries bruma, calima, calina, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bruma, calima, calina, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
