When visiting or residing in a Spanish-speaking country, you’ll often find yourself in situations where you need to express how hot the weather is. Whether having a conversation with a local, making small talk, or simply describing your experience, knowing how to say “it’s hot” in Spanish is essential. In this guide, we’ll explore both formal and informal ways to express this sentiment, providing you with useful tips, examples, and even regional variations you might encounter.
Table of Contents
1. Formal Expressions:
When speaking in formal settings or to people you don’t know well, it’s important to use respectful and polite language. Here are a few ways to convey the idea of “it’s hot” formally in Spanish:
a) Hace calor
This is one of the most common phrases to express that “it’s hot” in Spanish. The literal translation of “hace calor” is “it makes heat.” It is a neutral and widely understood expression, suitable for most formal contexts.
Example: Buenos días, señora. Hoy hace mucho calor, ¿no?
Translation: Good morning, ma’am. It’s very hot today, isn’t it?
b) El clima está caliente
If you prefer a slightly more formal way to say “it’s hot,” you can use the expression “el clima está caliente.” This phrase translates to “the weather is hot” and is appropriate in professional situations or when discussing the weather with someone you don’t know well.
Example: Me gustaría comentar que el clima está realmente caliente hoy.
Translation: I would like to mention that the weather is really hot today.
2. Informal Expressions:
Informal situations allow for a more casual and relaxed way of speaking. Here are some informal expressions commonly used to describe hot weather in a more laid-back manner:
a) Hace un calor que pela
This expression is an idiom commonly used across multiple Spanish-speaking regions to convey extreme heat. “Hace un calor que pela” literally means “It’s a heat that peels” but is figuratively understood as “It’s scorching hot.” This phrase adds a touch of emphasis and can create a lively conversation.
Example: ¡Amigo, hace un calor que pela! Vamos a tomar algo fresco.
Translation: Man, it’s scorching hot! Let’s go grab something refreshing.
b) Hace un calor infernal
“Hace un calor infernal” is another informal expression that translates to “It’s an infernal heat” or “It’s an intense heat.” This phrase is used to emphasize the intensity of the hot weather and can be adapted to various informal contexts.
Example: ¿Has salido afuera? ¡Hace un calor infernal hoy!
Translation: Have you been outside? It’s an intense heat today!
3. Regional Variations:
Language variations within Spanish-speaking countries may lead to some regional differences in how “it’s hot” is expressed. Let’s explore a couple of those variations:
a) Hace bochorno
In certain Latin American countries, particularly in the Southern Cone, you might come across the phrase “hace bochorno.” This expression is used in the same context as “hace calor” to describe hot weather, but it emphasizes the stickiness or sultriness associated with the heat.
Example: ¡Ay, qué bochorno hace hoy! No quiero ni salir de casa.
Translation: Oh, it’s so sultry today! I don’t even want to leave the house.
b) Hace un calorón
In some Latin American countries, like Mexico, you might hear the expression “hace un calorón.” This is an intensified form of “hace calor” and means “It’s a big heat.” It’s often used when the weather is exceptionally hot.
Example: ¡Mira ese termómetro! ¡Hace un calorón hoy!
Translation: Look at that thermometer! It’s really hot today!
Conclusion
Now armed with a variety of ways to express “it’s hot” in Spanish, both formally and informally, you’ll be able to navigate conversations about the weather with ease. Remember to adapt your choice of phrases based on the context and the level of formality required. Whether you’re experiencing scorching temperatures or just making small talk, these expressions will help you maintain engaging conversations and connect with Spanish speakers on a whole new level.
