When the temperature rises and the sun beats down, expressing how hot it is becomes essential in any language. In Spanish, there are various ways to convey the idea of extreme heat, including both formal and informal expressions. In this guide, we will explore different ways to express “it is very hot” in Spanish, providing you with tips, examples, and even some regional variations. Get ready to add some sizzling vocabulary to your Spanish repertoire!
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions
If you find yourself in a formal setting, such as a business meeting, a professional environment, or when addressing someone you don’t know well, it is essential to use more polished, formal expressions to convey how hot it is. Here are some phrases you can rely on in such situations:
Hace mucho calor: This is the most straightforward and common way to say “it is very hot” in Spanish. It’s the equivalent of saying “It is very hot” in English. This expression is used universally in Spanish-speaking countries.
Tips:
- Remember that the word “hace” means “it is” in this context.
- Always use the adverb “mucho” (meaning “a lot”) to emphasize the extreme heat.
- When pronouncing “calor,” emphasize the last syllable to convey the intensity of the heat.
Examples:
- Hace mucho calor hoy. (It is very hot today.)
- En verano, hace mucho calor en esta región. (In summer, it is very hot in this region.)
Otra manera formal:
El calor es sofocante: This expression can be used to talk about the sweltering, suffocating heat. It implies that the temperature is not only hot but also stifling. It’s more poetic and could add a touch of literary flair when expressing extreme heat.
Example:
- El calor es sofocante en esta ciudad. (The heat is suffocating in this city.)
Informal Expressions
When you’re in a more casual setting, with friends, or talking to people your age, you can opt for informal expressions to say “it is very hot” in Spanish. Here are some common phrases used in colloquial speech:
Está haciendo un calor que pela: This informal expression is widely used across Spanish-speaking countries. It is a vivid way to describe scorching heat. The phrase “que pela” adds emphasis and character to the sentence.
Tips:
- The verb “está haciendo” means “it is” in this context.
- The phrase “que pela” is equivalent to the English expression “that peels” and reinforces the idea of extreme heat.
- In some regions, “que pela” can be substituted with regional variations like “que quema” (that burns) or “que asa” (that roasts).
Examples:
- Está haciendo un calor que pela hoy. (It is very hot today.)
- En esta época del año, está haciendo un calor que asa. (At this time of the year, it is very hot.)
Otras opciones informales:
Está hirviendo: This expression literally means “it is boiling” but is colloquially used to convey extreme heat. It is frequently used in Mexico and some Central American countries.
Está quemando: This phrase means “it is burning” and is commonly used in Argentina and some other South American countries to express extremely hot weather.
Examples:
- ¡Está hirviendo afuera! (It is extremely hot outside!)
- Hoy está quemando aquí. (It is burning hot today.)
Talking about Regional Variations
While there are universal expressions to convey extreme heat in Spanish, it’s important to note that some regional variations exist. Below are a few examples:
Está cundiendo: This expression is commonly used in some regions of Spain to mean “it is extremely hot.”
Está apretado: Used in some parts of Colombia, this phrase means “it is tight” but is colloquially adapted to convey extreme heat.
Examples:
- Aquí está cundiendo el calor. (It is extremely hot here.)
- Está apretado de calor hoy. (It is extremely hot today.)
Remember that these regional variations might not be universally understood, so it’s important to consider the context before using them.
Whether you find yourself in a formal or informal setting or want to explore regional linguistic variations, now you have a range of expressions at your disposal to convey the idea of “it is very hot” in Spanish. Practice using them in your conversations and embrace the warmth of the language as you express the scorching temperatures!
