How to Say "warm-up" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “warm-up” is “calentamiento” — use 'calentamiento' when referring to physical exercise or stretches done before a sports activity, workout, or performance..
calentamiento
/kah-lehn-tah-myehn-toh//kalentaˈmjento/

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/

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
Related Translations
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