invierno
/imˈbjeɾno/
The English phrase "winter I" is translated into Spanish as invierno.
invierno is the standard way to refer to the coldest season of the year.
Which one should you use?
While invierno is the general term, estación invernal is a more specific way to refer to the winter season. In Mexico, you may also encounter the term temporada invernal to describe the winter season.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the term temporada invernal may be used to refer to the winter season.
How do you pronounce it?
/imˈbjeɾno/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, the concept of 'winter' does not imply snow. For many, 'invierno' simply refers to the rainy season or a period of cooler temperatures without any frozen precipitation.
- The word invierno is related to the Latin 'hibernus', which is also the root of the English word 'hibernate'. This links the season directly to the biological state of animals sleeping through the cold.
- The word invierno actually began as ivierno in Old Spanish. Over time speakers added the letter 'n' to the first syllable, likely by mistake, which eventually became the standard spelling.
Examples in context
- En el invierno, las temperaturas son bajas y la nieve cae con frecuencia.In winter, temperatures are low and snow falls frequently.
- La estación invernal comprende los meses de diciembre, enero y febrero.The winter season comprises the months of December, January, and February.
- Me encanta el invierno. ¡Es la época del año que más disfruto!I love winter. It's my favorite time of the year!
- ¡Ya llegó el frío! Es hora de sacar los abrigos y las bufandas.The cold is here! It's time to bring out the coats and scarves.
- En México, la temporada invernal dura de diciembre a febrero.In Mexico, the winter season lasts from December to February.
- El invierno es muy frío aquí.Winter is very cold here.
- Me gusta mucho el invierno.I like winter a lot.
- Estamos esperando el próximo invierno.We are waiting for next winter.
Example conversation
Elena and Javier are talking about the weather while walking.
- Elena¿Te gusta el frío?Do you like the cold?
- JavierSí, amo el invierno.Yes, I love winter.
- ElenaYo prefiero el verano.I prefer summer.
- JavierEs verdad, Elena.That's true, Elena.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry invierno, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries invierno, CC BY-SA 4.0.
