caliente
/kaˈljente/
The English phrase "temperature hot" is translated into Spanish as caliente.
caliente is used to describe something that has a high temperature.
Which one should you use?
While caliente describes the physical temperature of an object, you should use caluroso to describe weather that is hot. For even more intense descriptions, use ardiente for burning, abrasador for scorching or caluroso for sweltering.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective caliente is invariable in gender, meaning it stays the same whether describing a masculine or feminine noun. While the gender does not change, caliente must take the plural form calientes to agree with plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/kaˈljente/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using estar caliente to say you are feeling hot, as this can imply sexual arousal. Instead, use the phrase tener calor to say you are feeling hot due to temperature.
Did you know?
- The word caliente is used in the common idiom está que arde, which literally means 'it is burning' but is used to describe a high-tension or exciting situation.
- In some Latin American countries, the phrase sangre caliente describes someone who is impulsive or quick-tempered.
- The word caliente shares its roots with the English word 'calorie', as both trace back to the same Latin source relating to heat.
Examples in context
- La temperatura está elevada.The temperature is high.
- La temperatura es abrasadora.The temperature is scorching.
- Está que arde.It's burning up.
- Está haciendo un calor de cojones.It's f**king hot.
- Hace un calorón.It's extremely hot.
- Está quemando el sol.The sun is burning.
- ¡Hace un calor sofocante! ¡Necesito un helado!It's stiflingly hot! I need ice cream!
- Después del mediodía, la temperatura se vuelve insoportable.After noon, the temperature becomes unbearable.
- En esta región, el clima es terriblemente caluroso.In this region, the weather is terribly hot.
- La sopa está caliente.The soup is hot.
- La sopa está muy caliente.The soup is very hot.
- Ten cuidado, el plato está caliente.Be careful, the plate is hot.
- ¿Está caliente el café?Is the coffee hot?
Example conversation
Elena and Daniel are having breakfast in the kitchen.
- ElenaDaniel, ¿el té está caliente?Daniel, is the tea hot?
- DanielSí, está muy caliente todavía.Yes, it is still very hot.
- ElenaGracias, espero que me guste.Thanks, I hope I like it.
- DanielTen cuidado de no quemarte.Be careful not to burn yourself.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry caliente, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries caliente, CC BY-SA 4.0.
