arde
/ahr-deh/
burns
A log that burns with bright flames.
📝 In Action
La leña arde en la chimenea.
A1The firewood burns in the fireplace.
¡Mira cómo arde ese edificio!
A2Look at how that building is on fire!
💡 Grammar Points
Which 'you' is it?
Use 'arde' for 'he', 'she', or 'it'. It also works for the polite 'you' (usted).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Burned vs. Burning
Mistake: "Using 'arde' to say something is already burned up."
Correction: Use 'está quemado'. Use 'arde' only when the fire is active right now.
⭐ Usage Tips
Natural Sounding Spanish
If you want to say something is 'on fire,' 'arde' sounds more poetic and visual than just saying 'tiene fuego'.
A scrape on the skin that stings.
arde(verb)
stings
?physical sensation
,is scorching
?intense heat
smarts
?sharp pain
,is boiling
?extremely hot objects
📝 In Action
Me arde el brazo por el sol.
A2My arm stings because of the sun.
La sopa todavía arde, ten cuidado.
B1The soup is still scorching, be careful.
💡 Grammar Points
Talking about sensations
When your body stings, use 'me arde' (to me it stings) or 'te arde' (to you it stings) followed by the body part.
⭐ Usage Tips
Sunburns
This is the most common word to use when your skin feels hot and painful after a day at the beach.
A person who burns with intense excitement.
📝 In Action
Él arde de deseos de volver a casa.
B2He is burning with desire to return home.
Ella arde de rabia por lo que pasó.
B2She is seething with rage because of what happened.
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'de' for the cause
When 'arde' means a feeling, use the word 'de' before the emotion (e.g., arde de amor, arde de envidia).
⭐ Usage Tips
Dramatic Effect
Use this word when you want to sound more passionate or intense in your descriptions.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: arde
Question 1 of 2
Which of the following describes a person who is very angry?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'arde' different from 'quema'?
Yes! 'Quema' usually means something is causing damage (like burning a piece of paper), while 'arde' often describes the state of being on fire or the sensation of heat/stinging.
Can I use 'arde' for spicy food?
While most people use 'pica' for spicy food, you can say 'me arde la boca' if the spice is making your mouth feel like it's stinging or burning.