Inklingo

How to Say "chilly" in Spanish

English → Spanish

frío

AdjectiveA1
Use 'frío' when referring to something that is noticeably cold to the touch or a temperature that feels uncomfortably cold, like water, food, or the weather in general during winter.

Examples

Tengo frío, necesito ponerme un suéter.

I am cold, I need to put on a sweater.

fresco

FRES-koh/ˈfɾesko/

AdjectiveA1
Use 'fresco' to describe a temperature that is pleasantly cool, refreshing, or slightly cold, often used for the air, a breeze, or a light chill that isn't uncomfortable.
A smiling child enjoying a pleasant, cool breeze while sitting on a porch swing, wearing a light sweater.

Examples

Qué aire tan fresco en la montaña.

What cool air on the mountain.

Necesitas una chaqueta, el aire está fresco.

You need a jacket, the air is cool.

Prefiero las mañanas frescas de primavera.

I prefer the cool spring mornings.

Adjective Agreement

Remember that 'fresco' must match the thing it describes. Use 'fresco' for masculine singular nouns (el aire), 'fresca' for feminine singular (la mañana), 'frescos' for masculine plural, and 'frescas' for feminine plural.

Using 'Ser' vs. 'Estar' for Weather

Mistake: “El día es fresco. (When talking about today's weather)”

Correction: Hoy hace fresco. (Use the phrase 'hacer fresco' to talk about the current temperature of the day.)

Fresco vs. Frío

The most common mistake is using 'frío' for a pleasant coolness. Remember, 'frío' implies a more significant or uncomfortable level of cold. If the air feels refreshing and not unpleasantly cold, 'fresco' is usually the better choice.

Related Translations

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