calor
“calor” means “heat” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
heat, warmth
📝 In Action
Hace mucho calor en verano aquí.
A1It is very hot in the summer here.
Tengo tanto calor que necesito un helado.
A1I am so hot that I need an ice cream.
El calor del fuego nos mantuvo cómodos.
A2The warmth of the fire kept us comfortable.
passion, fervor
Also: warmth
📝 In Action
Puso mucho calor en su presentación, y todos aplaudieron.
B1He put a lot of passion into his presentation, and everyone applauded.
Nos recibieron con gran calor humano.
B2They welcomed us with great human warmth/kindness.
El calor del debate era palpable.
C1The fervor (intensity) of the debate was palpable.
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: calor
Question 1 of 2
If you are feeling uncomfortably warm, which phrase should you use to express it in Spanish?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes directly from the Latin word *calor* meaning 'heat' or 'warmth.' Its origin is ancient and straightforward, reflecting a core physical concept.
First recorded: Old Spanish (around 13th century)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why do Spanish speakers use 'tener' (to have) instead of 'estar' (to be) when they feel hot?
This is a key difference between Spanish and English! In Spanish, feelings like heat ('calor'), cold ('frío'), hunger, and thirst are treated as things you 'possess' temporarily, not states you 'are' in. So, you 'have heat' (Tengo calor).
Is 'calor' always masculine?
Yes. Even though many Spanish words ending in -r are feminine, 'calor' is strictly masculine. You must always use 'el calor', 'mucho calor', etc.