The word caliente means “hot” while the word calor means “heat.” It seems like saying “estoy caliente” would be the proper way to express that you are hot, as in, the temperature is high. Unfortunately these Spanish differences for non-native speakers are a common and embarrassing mistake. The word hot also have other possible translations. Here are are 4 ways to say HOT in Spanish.
Learn Spanish: 4 Meanings of HOT in Spanish
Spanish for Hot #1: I’m hot translated to Estoy Caliente means “I’m horny”
Yes, estoy caliente means “I’m hot” but more in the “I’m hot for you” sort of way. When you’re sitting outside on a hot summer day with some coworkers or friends, that’s probably not the sentiment you wish to convey.
Spanish for Hot #2: She’s hot translated to Atractiva as in sexy
In the post The Worst English to Spanish Translation for HOT, I told a story that illustrated that hot can also mean atractiva or sexy. For example, Te ves muy atractiva en ese vestido! (You look so hot in that dress!).
Spanish for Hot #3: I’m hot translated to Tengo calor as in high temperature
If you are looking to comment on just the physical heat for your body due to the high temperatures, you’ll want to use Tengo calor, which literally means “I have heat” but translates to “I’m hot.” Similarly, if you are cold, you’ll want to say tengo frío instead of estoy frío. Using tener with the temperature words combines how you physically feel instead of insinuating you are hot or cold to the touch or sexually turned on!
When commenting on the general heat from the weather the adjetive caluroso is best. An example is: Es demasiado caluroso afuera para estar jugando fútbol hoy.
Spanish for Hot #4: It’s hot translated to Picante as in spicy
The word picante is used for something spicy hot, such as a hot sauce or food. Picante in Chile may also mean something low-class.
You can also watch the What’s the Word? Hot video on the Speaking Latino YouTube Channel.
Check out these other articles to help you Learn Spanish.
Featured photo credit: San Juan suak by Mr. Theklan via flickr
