aguas termales
/ˌaɡwas teɾˈmales/
The English phrase 'hot springs' is translated into Spanish as aguas termales.
The phrase refers to natural springs that produce hot water heated by the earth.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of aguas (waters) and termales (thermal).
Which one should you use?
While aguas termales is the standard term, baños termales (thermal baths) is often used interchangeably when referring specifically to the facilities or the location where one bathes in the springs.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the term fuentes termales is used to talk about hot springs. In Costa Rica, the expression pozas termales is used to refer to hot springs.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form agua termal can be used to refer to a single spring or the water itself.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌaɡwas teɾˈmales/
Did you know?
- The word termales shares a root with the English word 'thermometer' and comes from the Greek word thermos, meaning 'hot'.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, the phrase aguas termales is closely linked to the concept of turismo de salud (health tourism), where the water is treated as a medical prescription rather than just a leisure activity.
- While aguas termales refers to the water, the term baños is frequently used as a shorthand for the entire town that grew around a spring.
Examples in context
- ¿Dónde puedo encontrar termas en esta zona?Where can I find hot springs in this area?
- Me interesa visitar las aguas termales de este paísI'm interested in visiting the hot springs of this country
- Deberías ir a estos baños termales, son increíblesYou should go to these hot springs, they are amazing
- He oído hablar de unas increíbles fuentes termales en este estadoI've heard about some amazing hot springs in this state
- Tienes que visitar esas hermosas pozas termales cercanas al volcánYou must visit those beautiful hot springs near the volcano
- Queremos visitar las aguas termales este fin de semana.We want to visit the hot springs this weekend.
- Hay aguas termales naturales en este hotel.There are natural hot springs in this hotel.
Example conversation
Daniel and María are planning a weekend trip.
- Daniel¿Quieres ir a las aguas termales?Do you want to go to the hot springs?
- MaríaSí, me encantan las aguas termales.Yes, I love the hot springs.
- DanielPerfecto, buscaré un hotel cerca.Perfect, I will look for a hotel nearby.
- MaríaGracias, Daniel, será un viaje genial.Thanks, Daniel, it will be a great trip.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry aguas termales, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
