In 15 Seconds
- Used to describe unusually high temperatures or intense heat.
- Commonly applied to weather, food, or even social atmospheres.
- More emphatic than 'très chaud' but less slangy than 'vachement'.
Meaning
This phrase describes something that is unusually or notably hot. It is used when the temperature is higher than expected or particularly intense.
Key Examples
3 of 6Commenting on the weather
Il fait spécialement chaud cet après-midi, n'est-ce pas ?
It is specially hot this afternoon, isn't it?
Warning someone about a drink
Attention, le thé est spécialement chaud aujourd'hui.
Watch out, the tea is specially hot today.
Describing a room in a meeting
La salle de conférence est spécialement chaude avec tout ce monde.
The conference room is specially hot with all these people.
Cultural Background
The 'Canicule' (heatwave) is a major topic of conversation every summer. The government even has a 'Plan Canicule' to protect the elderly. In Quebec, 'spécialement chaud' might be used to describe the humid heat (l'humidité) which makes the temperature feel much higher. In countries like Morocco or Algeria, 'spécialement chaud' might refer to the 'Sirocco' or 'Chergui', hot winds from the desert. Chefs use 'spécialement chaud' to describe the precise temperature needed for certain techniques, like tempering chocolate or searing steak.
Agreement is Key
Always check if you are talking about a feminine noun (la soupe) or masculine (le café).
Spicy vs Hot
Remember: 'chaud' is for temperature, 'épicé' is for spice!
In 15 Seconds
- Used to describe unusually high temperatures or intense heat.
- Commonly applied to weather, food, or even social atmospheres.
- More emphatic than 'très chaud' but less slangy than 'vachement'.
What It Means
This phrase is your go-to for extreme heat. It means something is unusually or notably hot. It is more intense than just saying chaud. Use it when the temperature surprises you. It is like saying something is particularly hot today. It highlights a specific exception to the normal temperature.
How To Use It
You can use it for the weather. You can use it for your coffee. Just put spécialement before the word chaud. It works perfectly with the verb être. For example, C'est spécialement chaud. You can also use it with faire. Il fait spécialement chaud dehors. It acts as an adverb modifying an adjective. It is simple but very effective for emphasis.
When To Use It
Use it during a summer heatwave in Paris. Use it when a waiter brings a boiling soup. It is great for complaining about the sun. You can also use it for a heated debate. If a meeting gets intense, the atmosphere is spécialement chaude. It adds a layer of drama to your description. Your friends will understand the intensity immediately.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for spicy food. For spicy food, use épicé or pimenté. Be careful using it about people. Saying il est chaud can mean he is horny. Adding spécialement makes it sound even more suggestive. Stick to objects and the weather to stay safe. Avoid it in very formal scientific reports. Use particulièrement in those formal cases instead.
Cultural Background
French people love talking about the weather. It is the ultimate conversation starter. When a heatwave hits, everyone discusses the canicule. Using spécialement chaud shows you notice the change. It is a very social way to complain. Sharing a complaint about heat builds an instant bond. It is a classic move at a French café.
Common Variations
You might hear particulièrement chaud for more formality. Friends might say vachement chaud for extra emphasis. If it is boiling, try brûlant. In the south, they might say ça cogne. But spécialement chaud remains a clear, standard choice. It works everywhere from Lille to Marseille.
Usage Notes
This phrase is neutral and versatile. Use 'faire' for weather and 'être' for objects. Avoid using it to describe people's physical state to prevent sexual misunderstandings.
Agreement is Key
Always check if you are talking about a feminine noun (la soupe) or masculine (le café).
Spicy vs Hot
Remember: 'chaud' is for temperature, 'épicé' is for spice!
Weather Rule
Always use 'Il fait' for weather. Never 'Il est'.
Examples
6Il fait spécialement chaud cet après-midi, n'est-ce pas ?
It is specially hot this afternoon, isn't it?
A classic way to start a conversation with a neighbor.
Attention, le thé est spécialement chaud aujourd'hui.
Watch out, the tea is specially hot today.
Useful for preventing a burnt tongue.
La salle de conférence est spécialement chaude avec tout ce monde.
The conference room is specially hot with all these people.
A polite way to suggest opening a window.
Ouf ! Il fait spécialement chaud, je reste à l'ombre.
Phew! It's specially hot, I'm staying in the shade.
Common informal expression of discomfort.
Ce plat est spécialement chaud, je vais attendre Noël pour goûter !
This dish is specially hot, I'll wait until Christmas to taste it!
Using hyperbole to joke about the temperature.
L'ambiance était spécialement chaude pendant le débat.
The atmosphere was specially hot during the debate.
Metaphorical use for a high-tension social situation.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'chaud'.
La soupe est spécialement ______.
'Soupe' is a feminine singular noun.
Which sentence correctly describes the weather?
Comment dit-on 'It is specially hot'?
Weather uses 'il fait' + masculine singular adjective.
Choose the best response for the situation.
Serveur: 'Attention, l'assiette est spécialement chaude !' Client: '________'
The client acknowledges the warning about the hot plate.
Match the phrase to the context.
When would you say 'Il fait spécialement chaud'?
The phrase describes unusually high temperatures.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to use 'Chaud' vs 'Épicé'
Chaud (Temperature)
- • Le soleil
- • Le café
- • Le four
Épicé (Spice)
- • Le piment
- • Le curry
- • Le chorizo
Practice Bank
4 exercisesLa soupe est spécialement ______.
'Soupe' is a feminine singular noun.
Comment dit-on 'It is specially hot'?
Weather uses 'il fait' + masculine singular adjective.
Serveur: 'Attention, l'assiette est spécialement chaude !' Client: '________'
The client acknowledges the warning about the hot plate.
When would you say 'Il fait spécialement chaud'?
The phrase describes unusually high temperatures.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsOnly if they are physically hot to the touch (like having a fever), but 'avoir de la fièvre' is better. 'Il est chaud' can be misinterpreted as slang.
No, 'très chaud' is more common. 'Spécialement chaud' is used when you want to emphasize that the heat is unusual.
Use 'Il faisait spécialement chaud' for weather or 'C'était spécialement chaud' for objects.
Yes! That would mean 'specially spicy'.
It is neutral. You can use it with friends or in a professional setting.
Related Phrases
particulièrement chaud
synonymparticularly hot
vachement chaud
similarreally hot
froid
contrastcold
la canicule
builds onheatwave
