Inklingo

How to Say "air" in Spanish

English → Spanish

aire

/ai-reh//ˈai.ɾe/

nounA1general
Use 'aire' for the invisible gas we breathe, a general atmosphere or feeling, or a simple melody.
A happy child standing on a green hill, taking a deep breath of fresh air. A gentle, visible blue breeze flows past the child's face, slightly moving their hair.

Examples

Necesito un poco de aire fresco.

I need a bit of fresh air.

El aire acondicionado no funciona.

The air conditioning isn't working.

Vamos a comer al aire libre.

Let's go eat outdoors.

Ese chico tiene un aire a su abuelo.

That boy has a look of his grandfather / looks a bit like his grandfather.

Always 'el aire'

Even though it ends with an '-e', 'aire' is a masculine word. So, you'll always say 'el aire' (the air) or 'un aire' (an air).

Using 'la' instead of 'el'

Mistake:Me gusta la aire de la mañana.

Correction: Me gusta el aire de la mañana. Just remember that 'aire' is a masculine word, so it uses 'el'.

aire

/ai-reh//ˈai.ɾe/

nounB1general
Use 'aire' to describe a manner, quality, or resemblance to someone, like 'an air of confidence' or 'looks like his grandfather'.
A happy child standing on a green hill, taking a deep breath of fresh air. A gentle, visible blue breeze flows past the child's face, slightly moving their hair.

Examples

Ese chico tiene un aire a su abuelo.

That boy has a look of his grandfather / looks a bit like his grandfather.

Necesito un poco de aire fresco.

I need a bit of fresh air.

El aire acondicionado no funciona.

The air conditioning isn't working.

Vamos a comer al aire libre.

Let's go eat outdoors.

Always 'el aire'

Even though it ends with an '-e', 'aire' is a masculine word. So, you'll always say 'el aire' (the air) or 'un aire' (an air).

Using 'la' instead of 'el'

Mistake:Me gusta la aire de la mañana.

Correction: Me gusta el aire de la mañana. Just remember that 'aire' is a masculine word, so it uses 'el'.

aire

/ai-reh//ˈai.ɾe/

nounB2general
Use 'aire' when referring to a simple, often folk or popular, melody or tune.
A happy child standing on a green hill, taking a deep breath of fresh air. A gentle, visible blue breeze flows past the child's face, slightly moving their hair.

Examples

El flautista tocó un aire popular de su región.

The flutist played a popular tune from his region.

Necesito un poco de aire fresco.

I need a bit of fresh air.

El aire acondicionado no funciona.

The air conditioning isn't working.

Vamos a comer al aire libre.

Let's go eat outdoors.

Always 'el aire'

Even though it ends with an '-e', 'aire' is a masculine word. So, you'll always say 'el aire' (the air) or 'un aire' (an air).

Using 'la' instead of 'el'

Mistake:Me gusta la aire de la mañana.

Correction: Me gusta el aire de la mañana. Just remember that 'aire' is a masculine word, so it uses 'el'.

atmósfera

nounA2general
Use 'atmósfera' to refer to the Earth's atmosphere or the general environment of a place.

Examples

La capa de ozono protege la atmósfera de la Tierra.

The ozone layer protects the Earth's atmosphere.

aéreo

adjectiveA2general
Use 'aéreo' as an adjective meaning 'related to air', especially for transport or things in the sky.

Examples

El transporte aéreo es el más rápido para largas distancias.

Air transport is the fastest for long distances.

brisa

/BREE-sah//ˈbɾisa/

nounA2general
Use 'brisa' specifically for a gentle, pleasant breeze, often used poetically or to describe fresh outdoor air.
A gentle wind blowing through a field of wildflowers.

Examples

Me encanta sentir la brisa marina en la cara.

I love feeling the sea breeze on my face.

Entró una brisa fresca por la ventana.

A fresh breeze came in through the window.

El barco se movía con la suave brisa.

The boat moved with the gentle breeze.

Gender Hint

Since this word ends in '-a', it is almost always feminine. You should use 'la' or 'una' with it.

Watch out for 'viento'

Mistake:Using 'viento' for everything.

Correction: Use 'brisa' specifically when the wind is pleasant or light. 'Viento' can be light, but it often implies something stronger.

oxígeno

nounA1figurative
Use 'oxígeno' when 'air' is used figuratively to mean something essential for life or progress, like 'breathing room'.

Examples

Necesitamos oxígeno para poder respirar y vivir.

We need oxygen to be able to breathe and live.

Aire vs. Atmósfera

The most common mistake is using 'aire' when 'atmósfera' is more appropriate for the Earth's atmosphere. Remember, 'aire' is the gas itself or a general feeling, while 'atmósfera' refers to the entire layer of gases surrounding the planet.

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