tropical
“tropical” means “tropical” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
tropical
Also: lush
📝 In Action
Me encanta el clima tropical.
A1I love the tropical climate.
Hay muchas frutas tropicales en el mercado.
A1There are many tropical fruits in the market.
La selva tropical es el hogar de muchos animales.
A2The tropical rainforest is home to many animals.
tropical
Also: festive
📝 In Action
La fiesta tiene un ambiente muy tropical.
B1The party has a very tropical vibe.
Me gusta bailar música tropical.
A2I like dancing to tropical music.
Él siempre usa camisas tropicales en verano.
B1He always wears tropical shirts in the summer.
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: tropical
Question 1 of 3
Which of these is the correct plural form of 'tropical'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin word 'tropicus,' which came from a Greek word meaning 'of the solstice' or 'turning point.' It refers to the sun's position at the edge of the tropical zone.
First recorded: 15th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'tropical' only refer to the weather?
Not at all! While it often describes climate, it's also used for food (fruits), clothing (floral shirts), and music styles.
How do I say 'The tropics' in Spanish?
You use the noun form: 'los trópicos'.
Is 'tropical' a formal or informal word?
It is neutral and can be used in any situation, from a scientific paper to a chat with friends.