clima
nounCEFR B2High frequency
What does “clima” mean in English?
climate — the meteorological conditions of a region; and figuratively the prevailing mood or social conditions
climate — the meteorological conditions of a region; and figuratively the prevailing mood or social conditions (cambio climático; clima de incertidumbre; clima laboral)
Example sentences
El cambio climático está modificando los patrones de lluvia y temperatura en zonas que históricamente habían sido estables.
Climate change is altering rainfall and temperature patterns in areas that had historically been stable.
El clima de incertidumbre económica disuade a los inversores de comprometer capital a largo plazo.
The climate of economic uncertainty deters investors from committing capital over the long term.
Mejorar el clima laboral es una prioridad estratégica para reducir la rotación de personal y aumentar la productividad.
Improving the workplace climate is a strategic priority for reducing staff turnover and increasing productivity.
How to use it
El clima (noun, masculine) means 'climate' — both the meteorological climate of a region (el clima mediterráneo) and, at B2, the prevailing atmosphere or mood of a situation (el clima político/social/de tensión). Core collocations: el cambio climático (climate change); el clima laboral (workplace climate/morale); el clima de inversión; el clima de incertidumbre/confianza/tensión; mejorar/deteriorar el clima. In daily Spanish el clima is often used interchangeably with el tiempo (the weather) in informal register, though technically distinct. Distinct from atmósfera (atmosphere — more about mood/air) and ambiente (vibe — more casual).
Common mistake
El clima (climate/atmosphere) vs el tiempo (weather — day to day: ¿Qué tiempo hace hoy?). 'Climate change' is always cambio climático — never *cambio de clima. In metaphorical use, el clima and la atmósfera are often interchangeable, but el clima tends to emphasise the prevailing conditions over time, while atmósfera captures the immediate feel.