When the temperature rises and scorching heat hits, it’s essential to know how to express the sensation of “too hot” in Spanish. Whether you want to strike up a conversation about the weather or simply seek relief from the sweltering conditions, this guide will equip you with both formal and informal ways to communicate this concept. Throughout various regions where Spanish is spoken, there might be slight variations, but we will focus on the main terms and expressions that are widely understood. So, vamos a empezar (let’s get started)!
Table of Contents
1. Formal Expressions
In formal settings, it’s important to choose your words carefully. Here are some ways to express “too hot” formally in Spanish:
a) Hace mucho calor
This is a commonly used phrase that translates to “it’s very hot.” It’s a safe and polite way to convey extreme heat in a formal conversation.
Example: Buenos días, señor. Hace mucho calor hoy, ¿verdad? (Good morning, sir. It’s very hot today, isn’t it?)
b) Está haciendo mucho calor
This phrase is similar to the previous one and means “it’s getting really hot.” It emphasizes the ongoing process of the temperature rising.
Example: Disculpe, ¿está haciendo mucho calor aquí adentro? (Excuse me, is it getting really hot in here?)
c) El calor es insoportable
When the heat becomes unbearable, you can use this expression, which translates to “the heat is unbearable.”
Example: La temperatura ha aumentado tanto que el calor se ha vuelto insoportable. (The temperature has risen so much that the heat has become unbearable.)
2. Informal Expressions
When conversing with friends, family, or in more relaxed settings, you can opt for informal expressions to convey the concept of “too hot.” Here are some commonly used phrases:
a) Hace un calor que pela
This expression, literally meaning “it’s a heat that peels [the skin],” is a vivid way to describe blistering temperatures.
Example: ¡Vaya calor que pela hoy! (Wow, it’s scorching hot today!)
b) Está haciendo un calor infernal
When the heat is truly intense, you can use this phrase that translates to “it’s insanely hot” or “it’s hellishly hot.”
Example: Estamos en pleno verano y está haciendo un calor infernal. (We’re in the middle of summer, and it’s insanely hot.)
c) Está que arde
This colloquial phrase, meaning “it’s burning,” is commonly used to describe scorching temperatures.
Example: No salgas ahora, el sol está que arde. (Don’t go out now, the sun is burning.)
3. Additional Tips and Examples
Here are some additional tips and examples to expand your knowledge of expressing “too hot” in Spanish:
a) Emphasizing the intensity of heat
To emphasize the intensity of the heat, you can use adverbs like “muy” (very), “demasiado” (too), or intensifiers and idiomatic expressions such as “mucho” (a lot), “a tope” (to the max), or “como si estuviéramos en un horno” (like being in an oven).
Example: Está haciendo demasiado calor para salir sin protección solar. (It’s too hot to go out without sunscreen.)
b) Describing the weather
When discussing the weather, phrases like “hace sol” (it’s sunny) or “hace calor” (it’s hot) can be combined with additional descriptors to convey a stronger sense of heat.
Example: ¡Hace un sol abrasador hoy! (It’s scorchingly sunny today!)
c) Regional variations
While the expressions provided are widely understood throughout Spanish-speaking regions, slight variations may exist. For example, in certain Latin American countries, you may hear “está que quema” (it’s burning), or some regions might use local expressions unique to their culture.
Example: En México, ¡hace un calorón! (In Mexico, it’s extremely hot!)
Remember to adapt your language to local variations when necessary, as it can help you connect more effectively with the locals.
With these expressions and tips in your repertoire, you’re now equipped to convey the sensation of “too hot” in Spanish. Whether you find yourself in a formal or informal setting, in conversation with locals, or simply expressing your discomfort with the weather, these phrases will undoubtedly come in handy. Stay cool and keep exploring the beauty of the Spanish language!
