Inklingo

How to Say "warm-up" in Spanish

English → Spanish

calentamiento

/kah-lehn-tah-myehn-toh//kalentaˈmjento/

nounA2general
Use 'calentamiento' when referring to physical exercise or stretches done before a sports activity, workout, or performance.
A person in a tracksuit stretching their legs in a bright park.

Examples

Es importante hacer un buen calentamiento antes de jugar al fútbol.

It is important to do a good warm-up before playing soccer.

El calentamiento global afecta a todo el planeta.

Global warming affects the whole planet.

El calentamiento de la sopa tomó solo dos minutos.

The heating of the soup took only two minutes.

Making Nouns from Verbs

This word is formed by taking the verb 'calentar' (to heat) and adding '-miento' to the end. This is a common way in Spanish to turn an action into a 'thing' or a noun.

Gender Memory Aid

Words ending in '-miento' are almost always masculine, so you will always use 'el' or 'un' with 'calentamiento'.

Warm-up vs. Heater

Mistake:Using 'calentamiento' to mean a radiator or a machine that heats a room.

Correction: Use 'calentador' for the device and 'calentamiento' for the process or action of getting hot.

previo

/PREH-bee-oh//ˈpɾeβjo/

nounB2general
Use 'previo' for any preliminary event, show, or activity that takes place before a main event, such as a sports match or a broadcast.
A red theater curtain slightly parted to reveal a small glimpse of a colorful stage set behind it.

Examples

No te pierdas el previo del partido a las seis.

Don't miss the pre-game show at six o'clock.

En los previos del festival, hubo mucha música en la calle.

In the lead-up to the festival, there was a lot of music in the street.

Using the Plural

When talking about all the things happening leading up to an event, Spanish speakers often use the plural 'los previos'.

Physical vs. Event Warm-ups

Learners often confuse 'calentamiento' and 'previo' by using 'calentamiento' for non-physical warm-ups. Remember, 'calentamiento' is for preparing your body, while 'previo' is for events leading up to something else.

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