Inklingo

How to Say "cold" in Spanish

English → Spanish

frío

adjective, nounA1general
Use 'frío' when talking about low temperatures, either as an adjective describing something as cold or as a noun referring to the sensation of coldness.

Examples

Hace mucho frío en invierno.

It is very cold in winter.

resfriado

ress-free-AH-doh/resfɾiˈaðo/

nounA1general
Use 'resfriado' exclusively when referring to the common illness, the 'cold' that affects your health.
A box of tissues, a thermometer, and a mug of hot tea on a small table.

Examples

Me he cogido un resfriado.

I've caught a cold.

Tengo un resfriado muy fuerte.

I have a very bad cold.

El resfriado me quita el hambre.

The cold takes away my appetite.

Using 'Have' vs 'Be'

In Spanish, you 'have' (tener) a cold. Just like in English, you use the noun form with 'un' (a cold).

Cold vs. Constipated

Mistake: “Using 'constipado' to mean 'constipated'.”

Correction: In Spain, 'constipado' is another word for a cold. If you mean 'constipated' in a bathroom sense, use 'estreñido'.

seco

SEH-koh/ˈse.ko/

adjectiveB1general
Use 'seco' to describe a person's personality as unfriendly, reserved, or curt, not related to temperature or illness.
One figure sharply turns their back on a second person who looks surprised and slightly sad, illustrating an abrupt and curt dismissal.

Examples

Su trato fue un poco seco conmigo.

His manner towards me was a bit curt.

Su respuesta fue muy seca, casi ni me miró.

His response was very curt; he barely even looked at me.

Es una persona muy seca; nunca sonríe.

She is a very cold person; she never smiles.

Describing Personality

When describing someone's general personality as cold or reserved, you typically use 'ser': 'Ella es seca'. If you are describing a momentary action, like a reply, use 'fue': 'Su respuesta fue seca'.

Confusing Temperature with Illness

The most common mistake is using 'frío' when you mean the illness. Remember, 'frío' is for temperature (feeling cold, a cold day), while 'resfriado' is specifically for the sickness. Never use 'resfriado' to talk about the weather.

Related Translations

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