ardiente
/ar-DYEN-teh/
burning
Visualizing ardiente as "burning," like a bright fire.
ardiente(adjective)
burning
?fire or flame
,scorching
?sun or high temperature
fiery
?appearance
,hot
?intense heat (stronger than 'caliente')
📝 In Action
El sol del desierto era tan ardiente que tuvimos que buscar sombra.
B1The desert sun was so scorching that we had to look for shade.
Las brasas ardientes todavía estaban rojas.
A2The burning embers were still red.
💡 Grammar Points
Adjective Position
Like most descriptive adjectives, 'ardiente' usually goes after the noun it modifies: 'una llama ardiente' (a burning flame).
⭐ Usage Tips
Intensity Check
Use 'ardiente' when the heat is extreme, like fire or a desert sun. If you just mean something is warm, use 'caliente'.
Visualizing ardiente as "passionate," representing strong desire or intense feeling.
ardiente(adjective)
passionate
?feelings or desire
,fervent
?belief or support
intense
?debate or gaze
,zealous
?dedication
📝 In Action
Mostró un deseo ardiente de ganar la competencia.
B2He showed a passionate desire to win the competition.
Ella es una defensora ardiente de los derechos humanos.
C1She is a fervent/passionate defender of human rights.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Invariable
This adjective always ends in '-e', meaning it describes both masculine nouns (deseo ardiente) and feminine nouns (pasión ardiente) without changing.
⭐ Usage Tips
Poetic and Formal
Using 'ardiente' for emotions sounds more formal, literary, or intense than using a common word like 'fuerte' (strong).
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: ardiente
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'ardiente' to describe an emotion rather than a temperature?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'caliente' and 'ardiente'?
'Caliente' is the general word for 'hot' or 'warm' (like a cup of tea). 'Ardiente' means 'burning' or 'scorching.' It describes a much higher, more intense degree of heat, which is why it is also used for intense emotions like passion.
Does 'ardiente' change form depending on the gender of the noun?
No. 'Ardiente' is an adjective that ends in '-e', meaning it is used for both masculine and feminine nouns without changing (e.g., 'sol ardiente' and 'pasión ardiente'). You only add an 's' for plural: 'ardientes'.