이 페이지를 내 언어로
English فارسی العربية Deutsch Español Français 日本語 Português 中文 हिन्दी
A1 adjective #2,504 가장 일반적인 9분 분량

tropical

At the A1 level, 'tropical' is a fun word used to describe warm, sunny places and yummy fruits. Think of a big yellow sun and a green palm tree. When you see a picture of a beach with blue water and a coconut, that is a 'tropical' beach. You use this word to talk about your favorite fruits like bananas and pineapples—these are 'tropical fruits'. It is a simple word to help you describe a vacation or a beautiful nature picture. You might say, 'I like tropical weather because it is hot.' It is one of the first words you learn to describe different parts of the world that are not like cold or rainy cities. It makes people feel happy and think of summer holidays.
At the A2 level, you start to use 'tropical' to describe more than just a feeling. You can use it to talk about animals and plants. For example, 'tropical fish' are the colorful ones you see in an aquarium, and 'tropical plants' are the ones with big leaves that grow in hot places. You also learn that 'tropical' describes a type of weather that is not just hot, but also very wet. You might hear about a 'tropical storm' on the news. This is a big rain with lots of wind. You can use 'tropical' to compare different places: 'Spain is hot, but Thailand is tropical.' This shows you understand that 'tropical' means it is both hot and has a lot of rain and green trees.
At the B1 level, 'tropical' becomes a useful term for discussing geography and the environment. You can explain that 'tropical rainforests' are important for the Earth because they have many different types of trees and animals. You might use the word in a work or study context, such as 'tropical diseases' or 'tropical agriculture'. You understand that the word comes from the 'Tropics'—the area in the middle of the world. You can also use it more descriptively in writing. Instead of just saying a room is hot, you might say it has a 'tropical atmosphere' if it is humid and full of plants. You are starting to see how the word is used in news reports about climate change and the environment.
At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using 'tropical' in a variety of complex sentences. You understand the nuances between 'tropical', 'subtropical', and 'equatorial'. You can discuss the 'tropicalization' of certain climates due to global warming. You might use the word in more abstract ways, such as describing a 'tropical rhythm' in music or a 'tropical palette' in art. You are aware of the common collocations like 'tropical depression' (a weather term) or 'tropical medicine'. Your vocabulary is rich enough to use 'tropical' to set a scene in a story, perhaps describing the 'oppressive tropical humidity' or the 'vibrant tropical plumage' of a bird. You can also identify when the word is being used as a marketing cliché in travel advertisements.
At the C1 level, your use of 'tropical' is precise and context-aware. You recognize its scientific applications in fields like ecology, where you might discuss 'tropical biodiversity hotspots' or the 'intertropical convergence zone'. You can use the word to analyze socio-economic issues, such as the impact of 'tropical deforestation' on global carbon levels. You are also sensitive to the cultural connotations of the word, understanding how 'tropical' has been used historically in literature to represent the 'exotic' or the 'other'. You can use the word with sophisticated adjectives, such as 'veridical tropical landscapes' or 'stifling tropical heat'. Your understanding of the word includes its derivative forms and its role in technical jargon across various disciplines.
At the C2 level, you possess a masterly command of 'tropical' and its myriad implications. You can use it with effortless precision in academic papers, creative masterpieces, or high-level professional debates. You might explore the 'tropicality' of a region—a concept in geography that examines how tropical places are perceived and represented by outsiders. You understand the deep etymological roots of the word from the Greek 'tropikos', relating to the solstice. You can use the word to make subtle distinctions in climate science, or use it metaphorically to describe anything from a heated political situation to a lush, over-the-top style of prose. For you, 'tropical' is not just a descriptor but a complex signifier of geography, climate, culture, and history.
연습하기 예시 노트와 팁

tropical 30초 만에

  • Tropical refers to the hot, humid regions near the Earth's equator, including their unique weather, plants, and animals.
  • It is commonly used to describe lush rainforests, colorful exotic fish, and sweet fruits like mangoes and pineapples.
  • The term also applies to intense weather events like tropical storms and specific medical fields like tropical medicine.
  • In a lifestyle context, it evokes images of relaxing island vacations, palm trees, and vibrant, floral aesthetic patterns.

The word tropical is an evocative adjective that transports the mind to the lush, vibrant regions of the Earth situated between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn. At its core, it describes a specific climatic condition characterized by high temperatures and significant rainfall throughout the year. However, the term extends far beyond mere meteorology; it encompasses a whole ecosystem of flora and fauna, a distinct architectural style, and even a particular aesthetic in fashion and design. When we speak of a tropical climate, we are referring to a place where the sun is often directly overhead, leading to intense heat that fuels the growth of dense, evergreen rainforests. This environment is the most biodiverse on the planet, housing millions of species that have adapted to the constant warmth and moisture.

Geographic Scope
The region surrounding the equator, specifically between 23.5 degrees North and 23.5 degrees South latitude.
Climatic Signature
Characterized by an average temperature of 18°C (64°F) or higher every month of the year, often with distinct wet and dry seasons.
Biological Diversity
Relating to species like parrots, monkeys, and palm trees that thrive in high-humidity environments.

"The explorers were overwhelmed by the tropical heat as they hacked through the dense undergrowth of the Amazonian basin."

— Example of descriptive usage in literature

In a broader cultural sense, 'tropical' is often used to describe anything that evokes the feeling of a paradise island. This includes 'tropical fruit' like mangoes, pineapples, and papayas, which are known for their sweetness and vibrant colors. It also applies to 'tropical diseases'—illnesses like malaria or dengue fever that are prevalent in these warm regions. The word carries a dual weight: it suggests both the beauty of a vacation destination and the harsh, sometimes dangerous intensity of a wild, untamed environment. Understanding 'tropical' requires looking at it through multiple lenses: the scientific lens of a geographer, the aesthetic lens of an artist, and the practical lens of a traveler.

"We enjoyed a refreshing tropical drink while watching the sunset over the Caribbean Sea."

Architecture
Buildings designed with wide eaves and open spaces to encourage airflow in humid conditions.
Fashion
Lightweight fabrics and bright, floral patterns often referred to as 'tropical prints'.

"The aquarium was filled with brightly colored tropical fish from the Great Barrier Reef."

"The sudden tropical storm drenched the city in minutes, leaving the air thick and heavy."

Ultimately, the word functions as a bridge between a physical location and a sensory experience. It tells us about the temperature, the moisture in the air, the types of life we might encounter, and the general atmosphere of a place. Whether used in a scientific report about 'tropical deforestation' or a travel blog about a 'tropical getaway', it remains one of the most descriptive and evocative adjectives in the English language, painting a vivid picture of life near the center of our world.

Using the word tropical correctly involves understanding its role as an attributive adjective. It almost always precedes the noun it modifies. You will find it most frequently paired with nouns related to weather, geography, biology, and lifestyle. To use it effectively, one must distinguish between its literal geographic meaning and its more figurative, descriptive meaning. For instance, 'tropical medicine' is a highly specific field of study, whereas a 'tropical shirt' is a casual fashion choice. The versatility of the word allows it to function in both formal academic contexts and informal everyday conversation.

  • Weather and Climate: Use it to describe storms, rain, heat, or humidity. (e.g., "The humidity was almost tropical.")
  • Nature and Biology: Use it for plants, animals, and ecosystems. (e.g., "Tropical rainforests are vital for the planet.")
  • Travel and Leisure: Use it to describe vacations, islands, or resorts. (e.g., "They are planning a tropical escape this winter.")
  • Health: Use it for specific diseases found in hot climates. (e.g., "He specializes in tropical diseases.")

When constructing sentences, remember that 'tropical' describes the nature of the thing, not just its location. A greenhouse in London can have a 'tropical atmosphere' because it mimics the conditions of the tropics. This metaphorical use is very common in English. You can also use the adverbial form 'tropically' (though rare) or the noun 'tropics' (always plural when referring to the region). The transition from 'tropic' (the line) to 'tropical' (the adjective) is a key morphological step for learners to master.

Common Collocations to Master:

Tropical Storm: A localized, very intense low-pressure wind system.
Tropical Fruit: Fruits like mango, papaya, and pineapple.
Tropical Rainforest: A forest with high rainfall and diverse life.
Tropical Paradise: A cliché used to describe beautiful islands.

In professional writing, 'tropical' is often used to categorize data. For example, 'tropical agriculture' refers to the specific techniques used to farm in equatorial regions. In creative writing, it serves as a sensory anchor, allowing the reader to feel the 'tropical heat' or smell the 'tropical blooms'. By varying the nouns you pair with 'tropical', you can shift the tone of your writing from scientific precision to romantic imagery.

The word tropical resonates through various spheres of modern life, from the serious tones of a news broadcast to the upbeat rhythm of a vacation advertisement. In the realm of meteorology and news, you will frequently hear it during the hurricane season. News anchors often report on 'tropical depressions' or 'tropical storms' forming in the Atlantic or Pacific. Here, the word carries a sense of urgency and potential danger, signaling high winds and heavy rainfall that could impact coastal communities.

In the travel and tourism industry, 'tropical' is a powerful marketing buzzword. It is used to sell the dream of relaxation. You will see it on billboards, in brochures, and on travel websites: "Book your tropical getaway today!" or "Experience tropical luxury." In this context, the word is synonymous with palm trees, white sand beaches, and turquoise waters. It targets the desire for warmth and an escape from the cold, gray reality of temperate winters.

📺Weather Channel

"A new tropical disturbance is moving west..."

✈️Travel Agency

"Explore the hidden tropical gems of Bali."

🧪Science Lab

"Researching tropical biodiversity in the Congo."

In educational and scientific settings, 'tropical' is a standard classificatory term. Biology teachers discuss 'tropical rainforests' as the lungs of the planet. Geography students learn about the 'tropical zone'. In these environments, the word is used with precision to denote specific latitudinal ranges and biological characteristics. You might also hear it in medical contexts, specifically 'tropical medicine', which deals with health issues unique to hot, humid climates.

Finally, you'll encounter 'tropical' in culinary and lifestyle contexts. Menus often feature 'tropical smoothies' or 'tropical salads', usually indicating the presence of coconut, lime, or exotic fruits. In home decor, a 'tropical theme' might involve wallpaper with large leaf patterns or bamboo furniture. Whether it's a warning of a storm or an invitation to a party, 'tropical' is a word that consistently signals a departure from the temperate norm.

While 'tropical' seems straightforward, learners often fall into several traps regarding its usage and nuance. The most frequent error is the over-generalization of 'hot'. Many students use 'tropical' to describe any hot weather. For example, saying "It was a tropical 40 degrees in the Sahara Desert" is technically incorrect. The Sahara is arid (dry), not tropical. Tropical heat is characterized by high humidity and moisture. If there are no palm trees, high humidity, or frequent rain, 'tropical' is likely the wrong word; 'arid', 'scorching', or simply 'hot' would be better.

Incorrect vs. Correct

  • ❌ "The desert has a tropical climate." (Deserts are dry; tropical is wet.)
  • ✅ "The Amazon has a tropical climate."
  • ❌ "I want to go to a tropical place like Paris in July." (Paris is temperate.)
  • ✅ "I want to go to a tropical place like Fiji."

Another common mistake is the confusion between 'Tropic' and 'Tropical'. 'Tropic' is a noun referring to the specific lines of latitude (Tropic of Cancer/Capricorn), while 'tropical' is the adjective. You cannot say "I live in the tropical"; you must say "I live in the tropics" or "I live in a tropical region." Additionally, learners sometimes confuse 'tropical' with 'subtropical'. Subtropical regions (like Florida or parts of Australia) are near the tropics but have more varied seasonal temperatures, including cooler winters.

There is also a misuse of 'tropical' in relation to seasons. In many tropical regions, there is no 'summer' or 'winter' in the traditional sense; instead, there are 'wet' and 'dry' seasons. Referring to a 'tropical winter' can be confusing unless you are specifically talking about the calendar months that correspond to winter in temperate zones. Lastly, be careful with the spelling; many learners accidentally add an extra 'o' or 'p', writing 'troppical' or 'tropicall'.

To truly master the word tropical, it is helpful to understand the words that surround it in the semantic field of climate and geography. These synonyms and related terms offer different shades of meaning that can make your English more precise and sophisticated.

Equatorial
This is the most precise synonym. It refers specifically to the area immediately around the equator. While all equatorial regions are tropical, not all tropical regions (which extend further north and south) are strictly equatorial.
Sultry / Humid
These words describe the feeling of tropical weather. 'Sultry' implies heat that is heavy and oppressive, often with a hint of romantic or atmospheric tension. 'Humid' is the scientific term for moisture in the air.
Lush
Often used to describe tropical vegetation. It suggests growth that is thick, healthy, and abundant. You will frequently see the pair 'lush tropical gardens'.
Torrid
A more formal or literary term. The 'Torrid Zone' is another name for the tropics. It emphasizes the intense heat of the sun.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, we have Antonyms. Understanding these helps define the boundaries of 'tropical'.

  • Temperate: Regions with moderate temperatures and four distinct seasons (like most of Europe and North America).
  • Frigid / Polar: The extreme cold of the Arctic and Antarctic.
  • Arid: Extremely dry, like a desert, regardless of the temperature.

By comparing 'tropical' to 'subtropical', you can see the nuance of geography. 'Subtropical' refers to areas bordering the tropics, which might have occasional frosts or cooler periods. Knowing when to use 'tropical' versus 'equatorial' or 'lush' allows you to paint a much more accurate picture for your listener or reader.

How Formal Is It?

격식체

""

비격식체

""

난이도

알아야 할 문법

수준별 예문

1

I want to visit a tropical island.

Je veux visiter une île tropicale.

Adjective 'tropical' comes before the noun 'island'.

2

Mango is a tropical fruit.

La mangue est un fruit tropical.

Used here to categorize a type of fruit.

3

The weather is tropical today.

Le temps est tropical aujourd'hui.

Used as a predicate adjective after 'is'.

4

I like tropical fish.

J'aime les poissons tropicaux.

Plural noun 'fish' with the adjective 'tropical'.

5

It is very hot in tropical places.

Il fait très chaud dans les endroits tropicaux.

Simple sentence structure: Subject + Verb + Adjective + Noun.

6

Look at that tropical bird!

Regarde cet oiseau tropical !

Exclamatory sentence using 'tropical' as a descriptor.

7

She wears a tropical dress.

Elle porte une robe tropicale.

Describes the style or print of the clothing.

8

We saw a tropical forest.

Nous avons vu une forêt tropicale.

Simple past tense with a descriptive adjective.

1

Tropical storms often happen in the summer.

Les tempêtes tropicales surviennent souvent en été.

Compound subject 'Tropical storms'.

2

Many animals live in the tropical rainforest.

Beaucoup d'animaux vivent dans la forêt tropicale humide.

Specific term: 'tropical rainforest'.

3

The hotel has a beautiful tropical garden.

L'hôtel a un beau jardin tropical.

Adjective phrase 'beautiful tropical'.

4

You should drink a lot of water in tropical heat.

Tu devrais boire beaucoup d'eau par cette chaleur tropicale.

Modal verb 'should' with a descriptive noun phrase.

5

Is Brazil a tropical country?

Le Brésil est-il un pays tropical ?

Interrogative form.

6

They grow tropical plants in the greenhouse.

Ils font pousser des plantes tropicales dans la serre.

Present simple for a general fact.

7

The air felt tropical and heavy.

L'air semblait tropical et lourd.

Two adjectives connected by 'and'.

8

We enjoyed the tropical sunset.

Nous avons apprécié le coucher de soleil tropical.

Describing the aesthetic quality of the sunset.

1

The region is known for its tropical biodiversity.

La région est connue pour sa biodiversité tropicale.

Passive voice 'is known for'.

2

A tropical depression is forming in the Atlantic.

Une dépression tropicale se forme dans l'Atlantique.

Technical weather term.

3

He contracted a tropical disease during his travels.

Il a contracté une maladie tropicale pendant ses voyages.

Medical context.

4

The architecture is designed for tropical living.

L'architecture est conçue pour la vie tropicale.

Gerund 'living' used as a noun.

5

Tropical fruits are a major export for the island.

Les fruits tropicaux sont une exportation majeure pour l'île.

Economic context.

6

The humidity was so high it felt almost tropical.

L'humidité était si élevée qu'on se croyait presque sous les tropiques.

Adverb 'almost' modifying the adjective.

7

She specializes in tropical ecology.

Elle se spécialise en écologie tropicale.

Academic field.

8

The movie was filmed in a tropical location.

Le film a été tourné dans un lieu tropical.

Describing a setting.

1

The tropical climate allows for year-round farming.

Le climat tropical permet une agriculture tout au long de l'année.

Complex sentence with a result clause.

2

Deforestation in tropical regions is a global concern.

La déforestation dans les régions tropicales est une préoccupation mondiale.

Environmental topic.

3

The artist used a tropical palette of bright oranges and greens.

L'artiste a utilisé une palette tropicale d'oranges et de verts vifs.

Metaphorical use in art.

4

A tropical cyclone can cause devastating damage.

Un cyclone tropical peut causer des dégâts dévastateurs.

Stronger technical term than 'storm'.

5

The greenhouse mimics a tropical environment perfectly.

La serre imite parfaitement un environnement tropical.

Verb 'mimics' used with the adjective.

6

They are researching the impact of climate change on tropical reefs.

Ils étudient l'impact du changement climatique sur les récifs tropicaux.

Scientific research context.

7

The novel is set against a backdrop of tropical unrest.

Le roman se déroule sur fond d'agitation tropicale.

Literary use.

8

Tropical medicine requires specialized training.

La médecine tropicale nécessite une formation spécialisée.

Professional field.

1

The sheer scale of tropical biodiversity is staggering.

L'ampleur de la biodiversité tropicale est stupéfiante.

Advanced vocabulary: 'sheer scale', 'staggering'.

2

Tropical ecosystems are particularly vulnerable to temperature shifts.

Les écosystèmes tropicaux sont particulièrement vulnérables aux changements de température.

Precise scientific statement.

3

The colonial history of the region is tied to tropical commodities.

L'histoire coloniale de la région est liée aux produits tropicaux.

Historical/Economic analysis.

4

The air was thick with the scent of tropical decay.

L'air était imprégné de l'odeur de la décomposition tropicale.

Evocative literary description.

5

Tropicality is a concept often explored in post-colonial studies.

La tropicalité est un concept souvent exploré dans les études postcoloniales.

Noun form 'Tropicality'.

6

The intertropical convergence zone affects global weather patterns.

La zone de convergence intertropicale affecte les conditions météorologiques mondiales.

Highly technical term.

7

He wrote a thesis on the socio-economic effects of tropical deforestation.

Il a écrit une thèse sur les effets socio-économiques de la déforestation tropicale.

Academic context.

8

The lushness of the tropical landscape was captured in the film.

La luxuriance du paysage tropical a été capturée dans le film.

Noun 'lushness' paired with the adjective.

1

The author deconstructs the myth of the tropical paradise.

L'auteur déconstruit le mythe du paradis tropical.

Critical analysis.

2

One must account for tropical hyper-diversity when planning conservation.

Il faut tenir compte de l'hyper-diversité tropicale lors de la planification de la conservation.

Advanced prefix 'hyper-'.

3

The architecture embodies a synthesis of modernism and tropical vernacular.

L'architecture incarne une synthèse du modernisme et du vernaculaire tropical.

Architectural theory.

4

The humid, tropical air seemed to pulsate with the sound of cicadas.

L'air humide et tropical semblait pulser au son des cigales.

Sensory, rhythmic prose.

5

The geopolitical significance of tropical resources cannot be overstated.

L'importance géopolitique des ressources tropicales ne saurait être surestimée.

Formal political discourse.

6

The painting evokes a sense of tropical languor and heat.

Le tableau évoque un sentiment de langueur et de chaleur tropicales.

Sophisticated noun 'languor'.

7

Research into tropical pathogens is crucial for global health security.

La recherche sur les agents pathogènes tropicaux est cruciale pour la sécurité sanitaire mondiale.

Scientific/Political intersection.

8

The prose was criticized for its overly tropical and flowery metaphors.

La prose a été critiquée pour ses métaphores trop tropicales et fleuries.

Metaphorical critique of writing style.

동의어

hot humid equatorial lush balmy sultry

반의어

arctic polar cold

자주 쓰는 조합

tropical storm
tropical rainforest
tropical fruit
tropical climate
tropical island
tropical fish
tropical disease
tropical heat
tropical paradise
tropical vegetation

자주 쓰는 구문

tropical getaway

tropical breeze

tropical depression

tropical print

tropical drink

tropical sun

tropical birds

tropical forest

tropical medicine

tropical waters

자주 혼동되는 단어

tropical vs Topical (relating to a specific topic or applied to skin)

tropical vs Subtropical (regions near the tropics but cooler)

tropical vs Equatorial (specifically on the equator)

관용어 및 표현

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

혼동하기 쉬운

tropical vs

tropical vs

tropical vs

tropical vs

tropical vs

문장 패턴

사용법

Nuance

Can be positive (vacation) or negative (disease/storms).

Context

Always implies heat and moisture.

자주 하는 실수
  • Using 'tropical' for dry heat.
  • Saying 'the tropical' as a noun.
  • Spelling it 'tropicall'.
  • Confusing 'tropical' with 'topical'.
  • Using it for temperate summers.

팁

Learn Collocations

Learn 'tropical' with words like 'storm', 'fruit', and 'rainforest' to sound more natural.

Syllable Stress

Remember to stress the first syllable: TROP-i-cal. The other syllables are short.

Adjective Position

In English, 'tropical' almost always comes before the noun it describes, like 'tropical island'.

Geography Matters

Only use 'tropical' for places near the equator. Don't use it for just any hot place like a desert.

Sensory Details

When writing, use 'tropical' to help the reader imagine humidity, bright colors, and warmth.

Weather Reports

Listen for 'tropical' during hurricane season news to hear it used in a serious, technical way.

Vacation Talk

Use 'tropical getaway' when talking about your dream holiday to sound like a native speaker.

Visual Association

Associate the word with a bright green parrot to remember it refers to nature and heat.

Nature Books

Read about 'tropical rainforests' to see how the word is used in scientific and environmental texts.

Fashion Prints

If you see a shirt with palm leaves, call it a 'tropical print' to practice the word in daily life.

암기하기

기억법

Think of a 'TROPical' island where you 'TROP' (drop) your worries in the sun.

어원

Greek

문화적 맥락

Many tropical nations rely heavily on the 'tropical paradise' image for their economy.

Tropical regions were often the focus of European colonial expansion for spices and sugar.

A 20th-century American trend inspired by tropical islands.

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

대화 시작하기

"Have you ever been to a tropical country?"

"What is your favorite tropical fruit?"

"Do you like tropical weather or do you prefer the cold?"

"If you could live on a tropical island, which one would it be?"

"What comes to mind when you hear the word 'tropical'?"

일기 주제

Describe your dream tropical vacation in detail.

Write about the last time you experienced tropical heat.

Why are tropical rainforests important for the world?

If you were a tropical animal, which one would you be and why?

How does the word 'tropical' make you feel?

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

A tropical climate is a weather pattern found near the equator where it is hot and wet all year round. It usually doesn't have a cold winter.

Most of Florida is considered subtropical, but the southern tip, like Miami and the Keys, is often described as having a tropical climate.

Common tropical fruits include bananas, pineapples, mangoes, papayas, coconuts, and guavas. They grow best in warm, humid weather.

Tropical regions are closer to the equator and stay hot all year. Subtropical regions are slightly further away and can have cooler winters.

The word comes from the 'Tropics', which are the two lines of latitude where the sun is directly overhead at least once a year.

A tropical storm is a very strong wind and rain system that starts over warm ocean waters in the tropical regions.

Yes, plants grow very well in tropical weather because there is plenty of sun and rain, leading to lush, green forests.

These are illnesses like malaria or yellow fever that are mostly found in hot, humid parts of the world where certain insects live.

Not always. While it sounds like a vacation, 'tropical' can also mean extreme heat, dangerous storms, and difficult living conditions.

You can say, 'I love the tropical plants in this garden' or 'The weather here feels very tropical today.'

셀프 테스트 180 질문

/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

관련 콘텐츠

도움이 되었나요?

댓글 (0)

로그인하여 댓글 달기
아직 댓글이 없습니다. 첫 번째로 생각을 공유하세요!