atmósfera
nounCEFR B2
What does “atmósfera” mean in English?
atmosphere, mood
atmosphere, mood (the overall feeling or ambience of a place or situation; crear una atmósfera de confianza)
Example sentences
La atmósfera de crispación que envuelve el debate político impide que se alcancen compromisos duraderos.
The tense atmosphere surrounding the political debate prevents lasting compromises from being reached.
Los científicos han detectado un aumento de los niveles de CO₂ en la atmósfera superior que preocupa a los climatólogos.
Scientists have detected an increase in CO₂ levels in the upper atmosphere that is causing concern among climatologists.
La reunión se desarrolló en una atmósfera de confianza que facilitó acuerdos que antes parecían imposibles.
The meeting took place in an atmosphere of trust that facilitated agreements that had previously seemed impossible.
How to use it
La atmósfera (noun, feminine) means 'atmosphere' — both the physical gaseous envelope of the Earth and, pervasively at B2, the figurative mood or feel of a place, event, or situation. Core collocations: la atmósfera terrestre (the Earth's atmosphere); la capa de la atmósfera; la atmósfera de tensión/confianza/crispación; crear/generar/romper una atmósfera; en una atmósfera enrarecida. In social and political discourse, la atmósfera most often refers to the prevailing emotional or political climate. Distinguish from ambiente (a more informal word for atmosphere/vibe) and clima (climate, metaphorical or physical).
Common mistake
La atmósfera (formal, scientific, or B2 journalistic) vs el ambiente (more colloquial vibe/atmosphere in a place): 'The bar has a great atmosphere' = El bar tiene un buen ambiente (not *atmósfera). In political and formal writing, atmósfera is preferred. In GCSE/A-level contexts, knowing en una atmósfera de as a reporting phrase adds sophistication.