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cálido means warm — a common term in Beautiful Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: November 16, 2025

✨ Beautiful Spanish

cálido

adjective • /[KA-lee-do]/

warm

Example:

Me abrazó con un suspiro cálido.

He hugged me with a warm sigh.

🧠 What does cálido mean?

The adjective 'cálido' translates to 'warm'. It is used to describe a pleasant and comfortable level of heat, both literally and figuratively. In a literal sense, it refers to temperature, such as a 'día cálido' (warm day) or 'clima cálido' (warm climate). Figuratively, 'cálido' describes a person, atmosphere, or action that is friendly, welcoming, and affectionate. For instance, one might receive a 'cálida bienvenida' (warm welcome) or appreciate a 'persona cálida' (warm person). This term consistently conveys a sense of comfort, kindness, and pleasantness.

📚 Extra examples

  • La casa tiene un ambiente muy cálido y acogedor.
    The house has a very warm and welcoming atmosphere.
  • Aprecio mucho su cálida bienvenida.
    I very much appreciate your warm welcome.
  • Prefiero los climas cálidos a los fríos.
    I prefer warm climates to cold ones.

💡 Did You Know?

A key distinction for learners is between 'cálido' and 'caliente'. 'Cálido' implies a pleasant, comfortable warmth (a warm climate, a warm hug). 'Caliente' means 'hot' and often indicates a higher, more intense temperature (hot coffee, a hot stove). Describing a person as 'cálido' refers to their warm personality, while using 'caliente' can carry sexual connotations.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "cálido"

Synonyms: caluroso, tibio, templado, acogedor, afectuoso
Opposites: frío, gélido, helado, distante, hostil

🔍 See more beautiful spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'warm' in Spanish?
The most common and direct translation for 'warm' is 'cálido'. Other words like 'caliente' (hot) or 'templado' (lukewarm/mild) can also be used depending on the specific context and degree of heat.
How do you pronounce 'cálido' in Spanish?
It is pronounced KAH-lee-doh. The stress is on the first syllable, 'cá'. The 'c' has a hard 'k' sound, and the 'd' is soft, similar to the 'th' sound in the English word 'the'.
How do you use 'cálido' in a sentence?
As an adjective, 'cálido' is used to describe a noun and must agree with it in gender and number. For example: 'un día cálido' (a warm day) or 'una sonrisa cálida' (a warm smile).
What is the English translation of 'cálido'?
The primary English translation of 'cálido' is 'warm'.
Does 'cálido' change for gender or number?
Yes, it follows standard adjective agreement rules: 'cálido' (masculine singular), 'cálida' (feminine singular), 'cálidos' (masculine plural), and 'cálidas' (feminine plural).
Is 'cálido' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'cálido' is a very common word in everyday Spanish, used frequently to describe both weather and the welcoming nature of people, places, and greetings.
Does 'cálido' have slang or double meanings?
No, 'cálido' does not have common slang or negative double meanings. It consistently conveys a positive sense of pleasant warmth, whether literal or figurative.
Is 'cálido' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The use and meaning of 'cálido' are consistent across the Spanish-speaking world, including Spain and all Latin American countries.

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