Ho caldo
The English phrase "I am hot" is translated into Italian as Ho caldo.
This phrase is used to say that you feel too warm.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb avere (to have) and the noun caldo (heat), literally meaning "I have heat".
Which one should you use?
Just as you use avere (to have) for feeling hot, you must also use avere to say you are cold.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly say Sono caldo using the verb essere (to be), but in Italian, this can imply that you are sexually aroused.
Did you know?
- In Italian, the concept of 'having' heat Ho caldo is shared with other physical sensations like hunger Ho fame and thirst Ho sete. This creates a mental cluster of 'needs' rather than 'states of being'.
- In many parts of Italy, when it is extremely hot, people might say si muore dal caldo, which literally translates to 'one dies from the heat'. It is a common hyperbole to express discomfort.
- The word caldo shares an ancestor with the English word 'caloric', which relates to heat energy. Both derive from the same Latin root describing warmth.
Examples in context
- Ho caldo.I am hot.Tatoeba #1946458 by Guybrush88, translation #436375 by lukaszpp
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Giulia and Lorenzo are sitting in a room without air conditioning.
- GiuliaLorenzo, ho caldo. Apriamo la finestra?Lorenzo, I am hot. Shall we open the window?
- LorenzoSì, hai ragione, fa caldissimo.Yes, you are right, it is very hot.
- GiuliaGrazie, ora respiro meglio.Thanks, I can breathe better now.
- LorenzoDi nulla, Giulia.You are welcome, Giulia.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries caldo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
