What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "it makes cold outside" because Spanish uses the verb hacer (to make/do) to express weather conditions.
Which one should you use?
While hace frío afuera specifies the location is outdoors, the shorter phrase hace frío is the standard way to express that the temperature is low regardless of location.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, you might say Hace un frío de locos to mean "It is crazy cold" or Hace un frío polar to mean "It is polar cold." In Mexico, you may hear Hace un frío que pela to describe intense cold.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say it is "very" cold, add mucho before the noun frío (e.g., hace mucho frío afuera) rather than using an adverb like muy.
How do you pronounce it?
/aθe fɾio afweɾa/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying es frío afuera. English speakers often mistakenly use es (the verb "to be") instead of hace (the verb "to make") when describing the weather.
Did you know?
- In Mexico, if the cold is particularly intense, people might say Hace un frío que pela, which literally translates to 'It makes a cold that peels'.
- The word frío is a close linguistic relative of the English words 'frigid', 'fridge' and 'refrigerator'.
Examples in context
- Hace frío afuera.It is cold outside.This sentence demonstrates the use of hace frío afuera.Tatoeba #2154748 by marcelostockle, translation #2085301 by freddy1
- Hace un frío insoportable afuera.It is unbearably cold outside.
- ¡Qué frío tan intenso hace afuera!It is so intensely cold outside!
- Está haciendo mucho frío, deberías abrigarte más.It is very cold, you should dress warmer.
- No salgas sin abrigo, hace frío afuera.Don't go out without a coat, it is cold outside.
- Ponte la chaqueta porque hace frío afuera.Put on your jacket because it is cold outside.
Example conversation
Daniel and Elena are preparing to leave their house.
- Daniel¿Llevas las llaves? Hace frío afuera.Do you have the keys? It is cold outside.
- ElenaSí, las tengo. ¿Me acompañas al coche?Yes, I have them. Will you walk to the car with me?
- DanielClaro, pero camina rápido, Elena.Of course, but walk fast, Elena.
- ElenaEstá bien, ya voy.Alright, I'm coming.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries afuera, frío, hace, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
