In December, winter starts in Spain. “El tiempo” means “the weather” in Spanish. It is an essential term to begin any conversation about weather conditions. The question “¿Cómo está el tiempo hoy?” can help you decide what to wear before hitting the streets. Therefore, we tell you more about the typical vocabulary used in this season.
Winter is just getting started! In Madrid, temperatures are about to drop a little more. It’s time for Intensive Spanish Course students to explore the array of weather vocabulary. Not every Spanish-speaking country, or every region of a country, will experience these different types of weather. For example, someone born and raised in parts of Colombia or Puerto Rico may not have ever seen snow! In Madrid it rarely gets THAT cold, but a noticeable change towards more rainy days per year has taken place.
Winter vocabulary
El frío (Cold): use it to describe the biting chill in the air or the freezing temperatures.
La nieve (Snow): some related terms such as “nevada” (snowfall) and “copo de nieve” (snowflake) are also good to keep in mind.
La helada (Frost): when the temperature drops, surfaces may be covered in a delicate layer of frost (as seen in crisp, frozen mornings).
Some essential winter activities and pastimes you can practice in the mountain regions are:“Esquiar” (to ski), “patinar” (to ice skate), “hacer un muñeco de nieve” (to build a snowman.
As regards clothing and accessories, you would need to buy an “abrigo” (Coat) that can be combined with a “bufanda” (scarf) and “guantes” (gloves) to keep your hands warm. As for your feet, you can cover them with “botas de nieve” (snow boots).
More season
The seasons translate as “las estaciones”. Knowing them is key for planning activities, special holidays, and understanding the climate.
In Latin America, seasons are the opposite from Europe. “El clima” refers to “the climate” or “weather” in a more general sense.
“La primavera” is “spring” (think of mild weather and blooming flowers!). “El verano” is the word for “summer” (hot temperatures and long days). “El otoño” stands for “autumn” or “fall,” (it’s the turn of cooler weather and falling leaves!)
And finally “el invierno” is “winter,” the coldest season, often associated with snow and chilling winds.
La lluvia means “the rain”, and an umbrella is “un paraguas”
“El pronóstico del tiempo” is “the weather forecast,” vital for planning ahead regarding weather conditions.
Don’t forget to check the weather before making your suitcase!
