cálido
Lemma Details
Translation: warm; hot; cozy; balmy; cordial; heartfelt
Part of Speech: adjective
Etymology: From Latin 'calidus' meaning 'warm' or 'hot', which derives from the verb 'calere' (to be warm). This shares the same root as English words like 'calorie', 'cauldron', and 'scalding'. The Latin root 'cal-' relates to heat and warmth, and appears in many scientific terms related to heat measurement.
Commonality: 80%
Guessability: 60%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Prefiero un clima cálido para vivir.
I prefer a warm climate to live in.
Nos dieron una cálida bienvenida.
They gave us a warm welcome.
Su sonrisa cálida me hizo sentir en casa.
Her warm smile made me feel at home.
El té cálido me ayudó a sentirme mejor.
The warm tea helped me feel better.
Tiene una personalidad muy cálida.
He has a very warm personality.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'calories' which produce heat in the body - 'cálido' means warm.
- The word sounds like 'calid' which can remind you of 'scalding' - something hot.
- The accent mark (´) can be visualized as a rising temperature on a thermometer.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking countries, 'cálido' is often used to describe not just physical warmth but also emotional warmth and hospitality, which are highly valued cultural traits. The concept of 'calor humano' (human warmth) is particularly important in Latin American cultures.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While both mean 'warm/hot', 'cálido' typically refers to a pleasant warmth (of weather, atmosphere, or personality), while 'caliente' often indicates a higher temperature or intensity and can have sexual connotations in some contexts.
Notes: In some contexts, these words can be interchangeable, but 'cálido' tends to have more positive connotations and is often used metaphorically for emotional warmth.
Mnemonic: 'Cálido' has an accent mark like a gentle sun ray (´), suggesting pleasant warmth; 'caliente' sounds more intense, like something that could burn you.
Explanation: 'Cálido' means 'warm' while 'cálico' refers to calico (a type of cotton textile).
Confused word:
Compré una tela de cálico para hacer un vestido.
I bought calico fabric to make a dress.
Notes: 'Cálico' is much less common in everyday Spanish than 'cálido'.
Mnemonic: 'Cálido' ends with '-do' like 'warm-do', while 'cálico' ends with '-co' like 'cotton'.