Significado
Indicates that the temperature is low.
Contexto cultural
In Spain, the arrival of the first 'hace frío' of the year is celebrated with 'Castañas asadas' (roasted chestnuts) sold by street vendors called 'castañeras'. In Mexico City, because of the altitude, it can 'hacer frío' in the morning and evening but be very hot at noon. This leads to the 'onion' style of dressing (layers). In Argentina, 'hace frío' is the perfect excuse to gather for 'mate'. The hot drink is seen as the social antidote to a cold day. In this Spanish-speaking African country, 'hace frío' is rarely said for the weather, but might be used during the rainy season when temperatures drop slightly.
The 'Mucho' Rule
Always pair 'hace frío' with 'mucho', never 'muy'. If you say 'hace muy frío', native speakers will understand you but it sounds very 'gringo'.
The Personality Trap
Be careful saying 'Soy frío'. You are telling people you are emotionally distant and heartless, not that you need a sweater!
Significado
Indicates that the temperature is low.
The 'Mucho' Rule
Always pair 'hace frío' with 'mucho', never 'muy'. If you say 'hace muy frío', native speakers will understand you but it sounds very 'gringo'.
The Personality Trap
Be careful saying 'Soy frío'. You are telling people you are emotionally distant and heartless, not that you need a sweater!
Diminutives for Politeness
Use 'hace fresquito' to sound more native and friendly when the weather is just slightly chilly.
The Universal Opener
If you don't know what to say to a Spanish speaker, just look at the sky and say '¡Qué frío hace!'. It works 100% of the time.
Teste-se
Choose the correct way to say 'It is very cold today.'
Hoy _______ frío.
We use 'hace' for weather and 'mucho' because 'frío' is a noun.
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'hacer' in the past (imperfect).
Cuando era niño, siempre _______ frío en mi habitación.
The imperfect 'hacía' is used for habitual actions or descriptions in the past.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are shivering and want to tell your friend you feel cold.
When describing your own physical sensation, use 'tener frío'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ¿Quieres ir a la playa? B: No, hoy no. _________.
The speaker is giving the weather as the reason for not going to the beach.
Match the Spanish phrase with its English equivalent.
Weather phrases
These are the three main ways to express 'cold' depending on the subject.
🎉 Pontuação: /5
Recursos visuais
Intensity of Cold
Banco de exercicios
5 exerciciosHoy _______ frío.
We use 'hace' for weather and 'mucho' because 'frío' is a noun.
Cuando era niño, siempre _______ frío en mi habitación.
The imperfect 'hacía' is used for habitual actions or descriptions in the past.
You are shivering and want to tell your friend you feel cold.
When describing your own physical sensation, use 'tener frío'.
A: ¿Quieres ir a la playa? B: No, hoy no. _________.
The speaker is giving the weather as the reason for not going to the beach.
Combine cada item a esquerda com seu par a direita:
These are the three main ways to express 'cold' depending on the subject.
🎉 Pontuação: /5
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasIt is grammatically discouraged in standard Spanish, though you might hear it in areas with high English influence (like the US-Mexico border). Stick to 'Hace frío' to be safe.
Because 'frío' is a noun (the cold) in this phrase. You use 'mucho' (much) with nouns and 'muy' (very) with adjectives.
You can say 'Hace un frío que pela' or 'Está bajo cero' (It's below zero).
It is neutral. It's appropriate for a weather report, a business meeting, or talking to a friend.
'Hace frío' is definitely cold. 'Hace fresco' is just cool or chilly, often used for a nice autumn day.
No. For a drink, use 'está frío'. 'Hace' is only for the air around you.
Just add question marks and use rising intonation: '¿Hace frío?'.
Usually 'hacía frío' for descriptions, or 'hizo frío' for a specific day that is over.
It is masculine: 'el frío'. That's why we use 'mucho' (masculine) and not 'mucha'.
Yes, but their 'cold' might be 20°C! It's all relative to the local climate.
Frases relacionadas
Hace calor
contrastIt is hot.
Hace fresco
similarIt is cool/chilly.
Hace viento
builds onIt is windy.
Tener frío
similarTo feel cold.
Estar frío
similarTo be cold (to the touch).
