In 15 Seconds
- Refers to 30 degrees Celsius in almost all contexts.
- Used for weather, angles, or oven settings.
- A staple phrase for daily small talk and weather reports.
Meaning
This is how you say '30 degrees' in Chinese. It is the go-to phrase for describing the temperature outside or the angle of a slope.
Key Examples
3 of 6Checking the weather with a friend
今天外面三十度，挺热的。
It's 30 degrees outside today, quite hot.
In a formal weather report
预计最高气温为三十度。
The maximum temperature is expected to be 30 degrees.
Adjusting an air conditioner
空调开到三十度太高了！
Setting the AC to 30 degrees is too high!
Cultural Background
China uses the Metric system and Celsius exclusively for temperature. Talking about the weather is a common 'social lubricant' in Chinese culture, often used to bridge gaps in conversation between strangers or colleagues. The number 30 is often seen as the start of the 'hot' season in major cities like Beijing or Shanghai.
Celsius is King
In China, never bother saying 'Celsius'. It is the default. If you mention Fahrenheit, people will be very confused.
The 'More Than' Trick
If you aren't sure of the exact temp, say `三十多度` (Thirty-some degrees). It makes you sound much more like a native speaker.
In 15 Seconds
- Refers to 30 degrees Celsius in almost all contexts.
- Used for weather, angles, or oven settings.
- A staple phrase for daily small talk and weather reports.
What It Means
三十度 is a simple, direct way to state a measurement. In most of the world, including China, this refers to Celsius. If it is 三十度, it is a warm, pleasant summer day. You are likely reaching for your sunglasses and a cold drink.
How To Use It
You use it just like in English. Place it at the end of a sentence to describe the weather. You can say 今天三十度 to mean 'Today is 30 degrees.' It is short, punchy, and very easy to remember. No complex grammar is required here.
When To Use It
Use it when checking the weather app with friends. Use it when complaining about the heat in the office. It is perfect for small talk in an elevator. You can also use it in a geometry class. Or when telling someone how to tilt their phone for a selfie.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it if you are in the USA without clarifying. Americans might think you mean 30°F, which is freezing! In China, everyone assumes Celsius automatically. Also, do not use it for body temperature. If a person is 三十度, they have severe hypothermia! Human body temp should be around 三十七度 (37°C).
Cultural Background
In China, weather is a massive part of daily conversation. People love to discuss how 'hot' or 'cold' it is. 三十度 is considered the threshold of 'real summer.' Once it hits this number, the ice cream shops get busy. It is the temperature of outdoor night markets and cold beer.
Common Variations
You might hear 三十多度 if it is between 30 and 39. If it is exactly 30, you can say 整整三十度. To be more formal, add the unit: 摄氏三十度 (30 degrees Celsius). But in daily life, keep it simple with just 三十度.
Usage Notes
This phrase is highly versatile and fits into any register. Just remember that in a scientific paper, you'd use `摄氏度` (Celsius), but in 99% of life, `度` is enough.
Celsius is King
In China, never bother saying 'Celsius'. It is the default. If you mention Fahrenheit, people will be very confused.
The 'More Than' Trick
If you aren't sure of the exact temp, say `三十多度` (Thirty-some degrees). It makes you sound much more like a native speaker.
Body Temp Danger
Don't use this for a fever. If you say someone is `三十度`, you are saying they are dangerously cold. Fever is `三十八度` or higher.
Examples
6今天外面三十度，挺热的。
It's 30 degrees outside today, quite hot.
A very common way to start a casual conversation.
预计最高气温为三十度。
The maximum temperature is expected to be 30 degrees.
Uses more formal vocabulary like 'maximum temperature'.
空调开到三十度太高了！
Setting the AC to 30 degrees is too high!
Expressing an opinion about a setting.
这里三十度，记得带短袖。
It's 30 degrees here, remember to bring short sleeves.
Giving practical advice based on temperature.
请把这个角旋转三十度。
Please rotate this angle by 30 degrees.
Using the phrase for geometric measurement.
房间里竟然只有三十度，还是有点冷。
It's only 30 degrees in the room, it's still a bit cold.
Context matters; 30°C is hot for weather but maybe not for an industrial oven.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct phrase to complete the weather report.
今天的天气很暖和，大约是 ___。
`度` is the measure word for degrees, while `个` is general and `岁` is for age.
How do you say 'more than 30 degrees'?
现在的气温是 ___。
The word `多` (more/over) goes between the number and the measure word in this structure.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of '三十度'
Used with friends while sweating.
三十度了，好热！
Standard way to state facts.
今天是三十度。
Scientific or news context.
摄氏三十度。
When to say 'Thirty Degrees'
Weather Talk
Talking to a neighbor.
Cooking
Low temp fermentation.
Geometry
Drawing a triangle.
AC Settings
Adjusting the remote.
Practice Bank
2 exercises今天的天气很暖和，大约是 ___。
`度` is the measure word for degrees, while `个` is general and `岁` is for age.
现在的气温是 ___。
The word `多` (more/over) goes between the number and the measure word in this structure.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIn Chinese-speaking regions, it almost always means Celsius. If you specifically need Fahrenheit, you must say 华氏三十度.
Yes! 三十度 is used for both temperature and geometric angles. For example, 三十度角 means a 30-degree angle.
It is very polite and a safe topic for small talk. Saying 今天三十度，真热啊 is a great way to start a conversation.
You can add 整 (zhěng) to say 三十度整, which means 'exactly 30 degrees'.
You would say 三十点五度. The word 点 acts as the decimal point.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend without changing the wording.
No, 度 itself acts as the measure word in this phrase.
You can ask 今天多少度？ (How many degrees is it today?).
度 is the unit (degrees), while 度数 refers to the measurement or 'degree level' in general.
Yes! For Chinese liquor (Baijiu), 三十度 refers to 30% alcohol by volume.
Related Phrases
很热
Very hot
气温
Air temperature
零下
Below zero
凉快
Pleasantly cool
