¿cuál es la temperatura?
The English phrase "what is the temperature?" is translated into Spanish as ¿cuál es la temperatura?
This phrase is a question used to ask for the current measurement of heat or cold in the air.
Which one should you use?
Use ¿cuál es la temperatura? when asking for a specific numerical reading from a thermometer or a precise measurement, whereas ¿qué temperatura hace? is more common for general weather inquiries.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Regional variations exist: in Mexico, you will commonly hear ¿Cuál es la temperatura?, in Spain the phrase ¿Qué temperatura hay? is used and in Argentina a typical question is ¿Cuántos grados hay?
Did you know?
- While ¿cuál es la temperatura? asks for a number, Spanish speakers often describe the weather using hace, which means 'it makes'. They say hace calor to mean 'it is hot', as if the weather is actively creating the heat.
- In Spanish, the word temperatura can also be used in a medical context to mean a fever, such as saying tiene temperatura to mean 'he has a temperature'.
- The word temperatura shares an ancestor with the English word 'time' through the Latin 'tempus'. This is because both concepts originally related to the 'proper timing' or the 'passing of time' in certain contexts.
Examples in context
- ¿Cuál es la temperatura del agua?What is the temperature of the water?
- Mira el termómetro, ¿cuál es la temperatura?Look at the thermometer, what is the temperature?
- Antes de salir, dime ¿cuál es la temperatura?Before going out, tell me, what is the temperature?
Example conversation
María and Alejandro are preparing to go for a walk.
- MaríaAlejandro, ¿cuál es la temperatura?Alejandro, what is the temperature?
- AlejandroHace mucho frío, son diez grados.It is very cold, it is ten degrees.
- MaríaEntonces necesito un abrigo.Then I need a coat.
- AlejandroSí, María, llévate el abrigo.Yes, María, take the coat with you.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cuál, es, la, temperatura, CC BY-SA 4.0.
