hace calor afuera
/aθe kaloɾ afweɾa/from spelling rules
To say "it is hot outside" in Spanish, use hace calor afuera.
This phrase is used to describe the high temperature of the air outdoors. You can adjust the intensity of the heat by changing the phrase: Hace mucho calor means "it is very hot", Hace bastante calor means "it is quite hot" and Hace más o menos calor means "it is more or less hot".
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase hace calor literally translates to "it makes heat". This is because Spanish uses the verb hacer (to do/make) to express weather conditions.
Which one should you use?
While hace calor afuera is the default, you may also see the variation hace calor fuera, which carries the same meaning.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb hace is used in the third-person singular form to agree with the impersonal weather expression.
How do you pronounce it?
/aθe kaloɾ afweɾa/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying es calor.
Did you know?
- While hace calor describes the weather, Spanish speakers use the verb tener (to have) to say 'I am hot' by saying tengo calor.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, a common non-verbal accompaniment to saying hace calor is waving a hand in front of the face or neck to signal a need for air.
- Spanish uses the same verb hacer for 'it is hot' as it does for time expressions, such as hace dos años meaning 'two years ago'.
Examples in context
- Disculpe, pero hace mucho calor afuera. ¿Podríamos encender el aire acondicionado?Excuse me, but it is very hot outside. Could we turn on the air conditioning?
- ¡Hace un calorazo hoy! Vamos a la playa a refrescarnos.It is scorching hot today! Let's go to the beach to cool off.
- No puedo salir de casa, hace un calor insoportable afuera.I can't leave the house, it is unbearably hot outside.
- Hoy hace calor afuera.Today it is hot outside.
- No salgas, hace calor afuera.Don't go out, it is hot outside.
- ¿Por qué dices que hace calor afuera?Why do you say it is hot outside?
Example conversation
Mateo and Elena are standing by the open door of their house.
- MateoElena, ¿quieres ir al parque?Elena, do you want to go to the park?
- ElenaNo, hace calor afuera ahora.No, it is hot outside right now.
- MateoTienes razón, el sol es muy fuerte.You are right, the sun is very strong.
- ElenaMejor nos quedamos en casa.Better if we stay at home.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
