templado
Lemma Details
Translation: temperate; mild; lukewarm; warm; moderate; tempered
Part of Speech: adjective
Etymology: Derived from the past participle of 'templar' (to temper), which comes from Latin 'temperare' meaning 'to moderate, mix, or regulate'. The English cognate 'temperate' shares the same Latin root, as do words like 'temperature', 'temperament', and 'temper'. The core concept relates to moderation or balance, particularly in heat or climate.
Commonality: 70%
Guessability: 80%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Prefiero bañarme con agua templada.
I prefer to bathe in lukewarm water.
España tiene un clima templado en primavera.
Spain has a mild climate in spring.
Es una persona de carácter templado.
He is a person with a moderate temperament.
Vivimos en una zona templada del planeta.
We live in a temperate zone of the planet.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'temple' in English, which sounds similar and can remind you that a 'templado' climate is one where you can comfortably stand outside (like in a temple).
- Associate with 'temperature' - 'templado' refers to a moderate, balanced temperature.
- Remember that metal is 'tempered' to make it neither too soft nor too hard - similarly, 'templado' refers to something that's neither too hot nor too cold.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking countries, 'templado' is commonly used to describe ideal climate conditions that are neither too hot nor too cold. The concept of 'clima templado' (temperate climate) is particularly important in regions like central Spain or parts of Latin America where moderate temperatures are valued.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'temperado' is not commonly used in modern Spanish, it might be confused with 'templado'. The correct form is 'templado'.
Notes: 'Temperado' might appear in very old texts or regional variants, but 'templado' is the standard form in modern Spanish.
Mnemonic: Remember that 'templado' has an 'l' like in 'mild' (one of its translations).
Explanation: This is simply the feminine form of 'templado', not a different word.
Confused word:
La sopa está templada.
The soup is warm.
Notes: The meaning is identical; only the form changes to agree with the gender of the noun it modifies.
Mnemonic: Remember that Spanish adjectives change form to match the gender of the noun they modify.
Explanation: While both mean 'lukewarm', 'tibio' typically refers specifically to temperature, while 'templado' can also refer to climate, character, or other contexts of moderation.
Confused word:
El café está tibio.
The coffee is lukewarm.
Notes: When referring specifically to lukewarm liquids, 'tibio' is often more common than 'templado'.
Mnemonic: Think of 'tibio' for 'temperature' specifically, while 'templado' is more versatile.