de sangre caliente
Lemma Details
Translation: warm-blooded; hot-blooded; passionate
Part of Speech: phrase
Etymology: This Spanish phrase combines 'de' (of), 'sangre' (blood, from Latin 'sanguis'), and 'caliente' (hot/warm, from Latin 'calens'). The expression literally means 'of hot blood' and is used both in the biological sense to describe warm-blooded animals and metaphorically to describe passionate, temperamental people.
Commonality: 60%
Guessability: 80%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Los mamíferos son animales de sangre caliente.
Mammals are warm-blooded animals.
Juan es un hombre de sangre caliente que se enfada fácilmente.
Juan is a hot-blooded man who gets angry easily.
Los latinos tienen fama de ser gente de sangre caliente.
Latinos have a reputation for being passionate people.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'caliente' (hot) as in 'hot-tempered' or passionate.
- Imagine blood that's warm (caliente) making someone more energetic and passionate.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking cultures, being 'de sangre caliente' can be seen as a positive trait associated with passion and emotional expressiveness, particularly in Latin American contexts where emotional openness is often valued. It's used both in scientific contexts (biology) and in everyday speech to describe temperament.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'de sangre caliente' means warm-blooded or passionate, 'de sangre fría' means cold-blooded, both in the biological sense and metaphorically to describe someone who is emotionless or calculating.
This word:
Es un hombre de sangre caliente que actúa por impulso.
He is a hot-blooded man who acts on impulse.
Confused word:
El asesino actuó de sangre fría, sin mostrar emoción.
The killer acted cold-bloodedly, showing no emotion.
Notes: Both phrases can be used in biological contexts (mammals vs. reptiles) and to describe human temperament.
Mnemonic: Caliente (hot) = passionate/emotional; Fría (cold) = unemotional/calculating
Explanation: 'De sangre caliente' refers to a quality or characteristic, while 'a sangre fría' specifically means 'in cold blood' and is used to describe calculated, emotionless actions, especially crimes.
Notes: 'A sangre fría' is commonly used in criminal contexts, while 'de sangre caliente' is used more broadly.
Mnemonic: 'De' indicates a characteristic; 'a' indicates a manner of action