How to Say “Cold” in Spanish: A Comprehensive Guide

Understanding how to express the concept of “cold” in Spanish is crucial for effective communication in various contexts, from describing the weather to expressing personal feelings. This article provides a detailed exploration of the different ways to say “cold” in Spanish, covering grammatical nuances, regional variations, and practical examples. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to use “cold” correctly and naturally in Spanish conversations.

This article benefits students of all levels who are learning Spanish. Beginners will gain a solid foundation in basic vocabulary and grammar, while intermediate and advanced learners will refine their understanding of more nuanced expressions and idiomatic uses. By mastering the various ways to express “cold,” you’ll enhance your ability to communicate accurately and effectively in Spanish.

Table of Contents

• Definition of “Cold” in Spanish
• Structural Breakdown
• Types and Categories of “Cold” in Spanish
  • Describing Weather
  • Describing Temperature
  • Describing Physical Sensation
  • Describing Personality
  • Describing Food
• Examples of “Cold” in Spanish
  • Weather Examples
  • Temperature Examples
  • Physical Sensation Examples
  • Personality Examples
  • Food Examples
• Usage Rules
  • Ser vs. Estar
  • Adjective Agreement
  • Idiomatic Expressions
• Common Mistakes
• Practice Exercises
• Advanced Topics
  • Subjunctive Mood
  • Regionalisms
• FAQ
• Conclusion

Definition of “Cold” in Spanish

The English word “cold” can be translated into Spanish in several ways, depending on the context. The most common translations are frío/fría and hace frío. Frío/fría is an adjective that describes something or someone as being of low temperature or feeling cold. The form used (frío or fría) depends on the gender of the noun it modifies.

Hace frío, on the other hand, is an impersonal expression used to describe the weather. It literally translates to “it makes cold” but is understood as “it is cold.” Understanding the difference between these forms and when to use them is essential for accurate communication.

Furthermore, the concept of “cold” can extend beyond temperature. It can describe a person as being unfriendly or distant (frío/fría in a figurative sense), or refer to a cold dish or drink (frío/fría). Each of these usages requires careful attention to context and the specific Spanish vocabulary associated with it.

Structural Breakdown

The word “frío” (masculine) and “fría” (feminine) functions as an adjective, so it must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. When describing a masculine noun, use “frío”; when describing a feminine noun, use “fría.” For example:

• El café está frío. (The coffee is cold.) – café is masculine.
• La sopa está fría. (The soup is cold.) – sopa is feminine.

The expression “hace frío” is an impersonal expression. It doesn’t refer to a specific noun and therefore doesn’t change. It’s always “hace frío,” regardless of the subject of the conversation. For example:

• Hoy hace frío. (Today it is cold.)
• En invierno hace frío. (In winter it is cold.)

The verb “tener” (to have) can also be used to express feeling cold: “tener frío” (to be cold). In this case, “frío” functions as a noun. For example:

• Yo tengo frío. (I am cold.)
• Ella tiene frío. (She is cold.)

Types and Categories of “Cold” in Spanish

Describing Weather

When describing the weather, the most common expression is “hace frío.” However, you can also use other expressions to add nuance. For example, you can say “está haciendo frío” (it’s getting cold) or “hizo frío ayer” (it was cold yesterday).

Describing Temperature

To describe the temperature of an object or place, use “frío/fría” with the verb “estar.” For instance, “el agua está fría” (the water is cold) or “la habitación está fría” (the room is cold).

Describing Physical Sensation

To express that you feel cold, use “tener frío.” This expression is widely used and easily understood. You can also add adverbs to intensify the feeling, such as “tener mucho frío” (to be very cold) or “tener un poco de frío” (to be a little cold).

Describing Personality

Figuratively, “frío/fría” can describe a person as being aloof, unemotional, or unfriendly. For example, “es una persona fría” (he/she is a cold person). This usage is similar to the English expression “cold-hearted.”

Describing Food

When referring to food or drinks, “frío/fría” simply means “cold” in temperature. For example, “una cerveza fría” (a cold beer) or “la sopa está fría” (the soup is cold).

Examples of “Cold” in Spanish

Below are several examples of how to use “cold” in Spanish in different contexts. Each table provides a set of sentences illustrating the various usages discussed above.

Weather Examples

This table illustrates how “cold” is used to described the weather.

Spanish	English
Hoy hace mucho frío.	It’s very cold today.
En invierno siempre hace frío aquí.	It’s always cold here in winter.
Ayer hizo un frío terrible.	It was terribly cold yesterday.
Mañana hará frío.	It will be cold tomorrow.
Está empezando a hacer frío.	It’s starting to get cold.
No me gusta cuando hace frío.	I don’t like it when it’s cold.
¿Hace frío afuera?	Is it cold outside?
Aunque hace frío, el sol brilla.	Although it’s cold, the sun is shining.
El pronóstico dice que hará frío.	The forecast says it will be cold.
Hace un frío que pela.	It’s freezing cold. (It’s a cold that peels)
Con este frío, prefiero quedarme en casa.	With this cold, I prefer to stay home.
El viento hace que haga más frío.	The wind makes it colder.
Hace tanto frío que se me congelan las manos.	It’s so cold that my hands are freezing.
¿Por qué siempre hace frío en esta ciudad?	Why is it always cold in this city?
Hace frío, así que ponte un abrigo.	It’s cold, so put on a coat.
Este invierno está haciendo mucho frío.	This winter is being very cold.
No puedo creer lo frío que hace hoy.	I can’t believe how cold it is today.
Hace frío, pero el paisaje es hermoso.	It’s cold, but the landscape is beautiful.
Hace un frío de perros.	It’s doggone cold.
Abrígate, que hace frío.	Bundle up, it’s cold.

Temperature Examples

This table illustrates how “cold” is used to described temperature.

Spanish	English
El agua está fría.	The water is cold.
La sopa está fría, necesito calentarla.	The soup is cold, I need to heat it up.
El café está frío, ya no lo quiero.	The coffee is cold, I don’t want it anymore.
La cerveza está fría, justo como me gusta.	The beer is cold, just how I like it.
La habitación está muy fría.	The room is very cold.
Esta piedra está fría.	This stone is cold.
El metal está frío al tacto.	The metal is cold to the touch.
La piscina está demasiado fría para nadar.	The pool is too cold to swim in.
El suelo está frío.	The floor is cold.
La cama está fría, voy a poner una manta.	The bed is cold, I’m going to put a blanket on it.
El aire acondicionado está muy frío.	The air conditioning is very cold.
Esta toalla está fría y húmeda.	This towel is cold and damp.
El té está frío, lo recalentaré.	The tea is cold, I’ll reheat it.
La comida está fría, no la puedo comer así.	The food is cold, I can’t eat it like that.
El refrigerador está muy frío.	The refrigerator is very cold.
La leche está fría, perfecta para el cereal.	The milk is cold, perfect for cereal.
El vino blanco se sirve frío.	White wine is served cold.
La piedra está fría por la noche.	The stone is cold at night.
El agua de la llave está fría.	The tap water is cold.
El piso de baldosas está frío.	The tile floor is cold.

Physical Sensation Examples

This table illustrates how “cold” is used to described physical sensation.

Spanish	English
Tengo frío.	I am cold.
Ella tiene mucho frío.	She is very cold.
Tenemos un poco de frío.	We are a little cold.
¿Tienes frío?	Are you cold?
Ellos tienen frío y se ponen un abrigo.	They are cold and put on a coat.
Siento frío en los pies.	I feel cold in my feet.
Siempre tengo frío en invierno.	I’m always cold in winter.
Después de nadar, tengo frío.	After swimming, I’m cold.
Mi hijo tiene frío, necesito arroparlo.	My son is cold, I need to tuck him in.
Tengo frío, ¿puedes cerrar la ventana?	I’m cold, can you close the window?
A pesar del sol, tengo frío.	Despite the sun, I’m cold.
Cuando estoy nervioso, tengo frío.	When I’m nervous, I’m cold.
Tengo tanto frío que estoy temblando.	I’m so cold that I’m trembling.
Tengo frío, necesito una taza de café caliente.	I’m cold, I need a hot cup of coffee.
Si tienes frío, ponte un suéter.	If you’re cold, put on a sweater.
Tengo frío, creo que voy a tomar un baño caliente.	I’m cold, I think I’ll take a hot bath.
No tengo frío, estoy bien.	I’m not cold, I’m fine.
¿Por qué siempre tienes frío?	Why are you always cold?
Tengo frío, así que me voy a la cama.	I’m cold, so I’m going to bed.
Tengo frío, necesito un abrazo.	I’m cold, I need a hug.

Personality Examples

This table illustrates how “cold” is used to described personality.

Spanish	English
Es una persona fría y calculadora.	He/She is a cold and calculating person.
Su actitud es muy fría.	His/Her attitude is very cold.
No seas tan frío conmigo.	Don’t be so cold with me.
Ella es una persona fría y distante.	She is a cold and distant person.
A veces puede parecer frío, pero en realidad es amable.	Sometimes he/she may seem cold, but in reality, he/she is kind.
Es un hombre frío e insensible.	He is a cold and insensitive man.
Su mirada es fría y penetrante.	His gaze is cold and piercing.
No me gusta su forma fría de ser.	I don’t like his/her cold way of being.
La gente dice que soy frío, pero no es cierto.	People say I’m cold, but it’s not true.
No entiendo por qué es tan frío.	I don’t understand why he/she is so cold.
Su corazón es frío como el hielo.	His/Her heart is as cold as ice.
Es difícil conectar con alguien tan frío.	It’s difficult to connect with someone so cold.
A pesar de su apariencia fría, tiene un buen corazón.	Despite his/her cold appearance, he/she has a good heart.
No puedo creer lo frío que puede ser.	I can’t believe how cold he/she can be.
¿Por qué eres tan frío conmigo hoy?	Why are you so cold with me today?
Es una persona muy reservada y fría.	He/She is a very reserved and cold person.
Su respuesta fue fría y cortante.	His/Her response was cold and cutting.
No esperaba que fuera tan frío.	I didn’t expect him/her to be so cold.
Es una persona fría, pero eficiente.	He/She is a cold, but efficient person.
No me gusta tratar con gente fría.	I don’t like dealing with cold people.

Food Examples

This table illustrates how “cold” is used to described food.

Spanish	English
Quiero una cerveza fría.	I want a cold beer.
La ensalada se sirve fría.	The salad is served cold.
El gazpacho es una sopa fría.	Gazpacho is a cold soup.
Prefiero el té frío en verano.	I prefer cold tea in summer.
¿Quieres un refresco frío?	Do you want a cold soda?
El helado está muy frío.	The ice cream is very cold.
Esta agua está fría y refrescante.	This water is cold and refreshing.
El sushi se come frío.	Sushi is eaten cold.
Me gusta la pizza fría al día siguiente.	I like cold pizza the next day.
¿Puedo tomar un zumo frío?	Can I have a cold juice?
El sándwich está frío, pero sabroso.	The sandwich is cold, but tasty.
Esta fruta está fría y jugosa.	This fruit is cold and juicy.
La tarta se sirve fría.	The cake is served cold.
Prefiero la leche fría con el cereal.	I prefer cold milk with cereal.
¿Quieres un vaso de agua fría?	Do you want a glass of cold water?
La sopa fría es perfecta para el verano.	Cold soup is perfect for summer.
Este plato se sirve frío.	This dish is served cold.
Me encanta el café frío con hielo.	I love cold coffee with ice.
El postre está frío y dulce.	The dessert is cold and sweet.
¿Te apetece una ensalada fría?	Do you fancy a cold salad?

Usage Rules

Ser vs. Estar

When describing the inherent nature of something as cold, use “ser.” However, “estar” is used to describe a temporary state of being cold. The distinction is important for accurate communication.

Ser: To describe an inherent characteristic.

• El hielo es frío. (Ice is cold.)

Estar: To describe a temporary state.

• El agua está fría. (The water is cold.)

Adjective Agreement

Remember that adjectives in Spanish must agree in gender and number with the noun they modify. “Frío” is masculine singular, “fría” is feminine singular, “fríos” is masculine plural, and “frías” is feminine plural.

• El viento frío. (The cold wind.)
• La noche fría. (The cold night.)
• Los días fríos. (The cold days.)
• Las noches frías. (The cold nights.)

Idiomatic Expressions

Spanish has several idiomatic expressions that use the word “frío.” Learning these expressions can add depth to your understanding of the language.

• Quedarse frío: To be stunned or shocked.
• Dejar frío a alguien: To leave someone indifferent.

Common Mistakes

One common mistake is using “ser” instead of “estar” or vice versa. Another mistake is forgetting to make the adjective agree with the noun in gender and number. Let’s look at some examples of common mistakes and their corrections.

Incorrect	Correct	Explanation
El agua es fría.	El agua está fría.	“Estar” is used to describe the temporary state of the water.
Yo soy frío.	Yo tengo frío.	“Tener frío” is the correct way to say “I am cold” (feeling cold). “Yo soy frío” means “I am a cold person.”
Hace frío la noche.	Hace frío por la noche. / La noche es fría.	“Hace frío” is an impersonal expression. To say “the night is cold,” use “La noche es fría.”
Tengo fría.	Tengo frío.	“Frío” is used as a noun here, not an adjective, so it doesn’t change gender.
La cerveza está frío.	La cerveza está fría.	“Cerveza” is feminine, so the adjective must be “fría.”

Practice Exercises

Test your understanding with these practice exercises. Fill in the blanks with the correct form of “cold” in Spanish.

Question	Answer
1. Hoy ______ mucho _______.	1. Hoy hace mucho frío.
2. El café ______ _______.	2. El café está frío.
3. Yo _______ ________.	3. Yo tengo frío.
4. Ella es una persona ________.	4. Ella es una persona fría.
5. Quiero una limonada ________.	5. Quiero una limonada fría.
6. Las noches de invierno son ________.	6. Las noches de invierno son frías.
7. El agua del río ______ _______.	7. El agua del río está fría.
8. ¿Por qué siempre ______ ______ aquí?	8. ¿Por qué siempre hace frío aquí?
9. No _______ ______ en este cuarto.	9. No tengo frío en este cuarto.
10. Es un invierno muy ________.	10. Es un invierno muy frío.

Advanced Topics

Subjunctive Mood

In certain contexts, you might need to use the subjunctive mood when expressing “cold.” This is often the case when expressing doubt, desire, or uncertainty.

Example:

• No creo que haga frío mañana. (I don’t think it will be cold tomorrow.)

Regionalisms

In some regions, there might be different expressions or slang terms for “cold.” While “frío” and “hace frío” are universally understood, being aware of regional variations can enhance your comprehension and communication skills.

FAQ

1. What’s the difference between “hace frío” and “está frío”?

   Hace frío is used to describe the weather (it is cold). Está frío describes the temperature of something specific (it is cold), such as water or coffee.

2. When do I use “ser” vs. “estar” with “frío”?

   Use ser to describe an inherent quality (e.g., “El hielo es frío” – Ice is cold). Use estar to describe a temporary state (e.g., “El café está frío” – The coffee is cold).

3. How do I say “I am freezing” in Spanish?

   You can say either “Me estoy congelando” (I am freezing myself) or “Tengo mucho frío” (I am very cold).

4. Is “frío” only used for temperature?

   No, “frío” can also describe a person’s personality (cold, distant) or refer to cold food or drinks.

5. How do I ask if someone is cold?

   You can ask “¿Tienes frío?” (Are you cold?).

6. What’s the best way to remember the difference between ‘ser’ and ‘estar’?

   A helpful mnemonic is PLACE: Position, Location, Action, Condition, Emotion. ‘Estar’ is used for temporary states described by PLACE, while ‘ser’ is used for more permanent characteristics.

7. Are there any other words besides “frío” to describe cold weather?

   Yes, you can use words like “helado” (icy, frozen), “gélido” (frigid), or “glacial” (glacial, icy) to describe very cold weather.

8. How would you say “a cold day” in Spanish?

   You would say “un día frío.” The adjective “frío” agrees in gender and number with the masculine singular noun “día.”

Conclusion

Mastering the various ways to express “cold” in Spanish enhances your ability to communicate effectively in a wide range of situations. From describing the weather to expressing personal feelings, understanding the nuances of “frío,” “hace frío,” and other related expressions is essential for fluency. Remember to pay attention to grammatical rules, adjective agreement, and idiomatic usages to avoid common mistakes and communicate accurately.

By practicing the examples and exercises provided in this article, you can build confidence in your Spanish language skills and express the concept of “cold” with precision and ease. Continue to explore the richness of the Spanish language, and you’ll find yourself communicating more naturally and confidently in every conversation. Good luck with your Spanish learning journey!