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caliente means hot / spicy — a common term in Mexican Slang. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: September 22, 2025

🌶️ Mexican Slang

caliente

adjective • /[ka-lee-EN-teh]/

hot / spicy

Example:

El taco está caliente.

The taco is hot.

🧠 What does caliente mean?

Caliente generally means 'hot' in Spanish, referring to temperature. However, in Mexican slang, it takes on exciting new meanings! It can describe someone physically attractive ('hot'), a situation that's exciting or intense ('heated'), or even something that's stolen or illicit ('hot'). Think of it as a way to add a bit of spice and flair to your Spanish.

📚 Extra examples

  • ¡Qué chica tan caliente!
    What a hot girl!
  • El ambiente en el club estaba caliente anoche.
    The atmosphere in the club was hot last night.
  • ¡Cuidado! Ese carro es caliente.
    Careful! That car is hot (stolen).
  • La salsa está caliente, ¡ten cuidado!
    The salsa is hot (spicy), be careful!

💡 Did You Know?

Using 'caliente' to describe someone attractive can be considered a bit forward or even slightly inappropriate in some formal settings. Stick to 'guapo/a' or 'bonito/a' for safer compliments!

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "caliente"

Synonyms: ardiente, picante, atractivo/a, emocionante
Opposites: frío/a, aburrido/a

🔍 See more mexican slang words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'hot / spicy' in Spanish?
The most common translations are 'caliente' (for temperature and some slang uses), 'picante' (for spicy food), and 'atractivo/a' (for physically attractive).
How do you pronounce 'caliente' in Spanish?
It's pronounced ka-lee-EN-tay, with the stress on the 'EN'.
How do you use 'caliente' in a sentence?
You can use it literally (e.g., El café está caliente - The coffee is hot) or figuratively (e.g., ¡Esa banda es caliente! - That band is hot!). Context is key!
What is the English translation of 'caliente'?
It generally translates to 'hot', but can also mean 'spicy', 'attractive', 'heated', or 'stolen' depending on context, especially in Mexican slang.
Does 'caliente' change for gender or number?
Yes, it does. For feminine nouns, use 'caliente' (e.g., la comida caliente). For masculine nouns, also use 'caliente' (e.g., el coche caliente). For plurals, use 'calientes' (e.g., las papas calientes).
Is 'caliente' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, it's quite common, especially in its literal sense. The slang meanings are more common in informal settings.
Does 'caliente' have slang or double meanings?
Yes, especially in Mexican Spanish, it can mean 'attractive', 'exciting', 'heated', or 'stolen'.
Is 'caliente' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
While the literal meaning is universal, the slang usage, particularly the 'attractive/exciting' meaning, is more prevalent in Latin America, especially Mexico.

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