‘Горячий’ or ‘жаркий’?

In the Russian language, these two words are often confused with each other due to their similar meanings. While both words can be translated as “hot” in English, they are used in different contexts and carry slightly different nuances.

“Горячий” primarily refers to something that is physically hot to the touch or has a high temperature. It can describe the temperature of objects, liquids, or even the air. For example, you might use “горячий” to describe a cup of hot coffee or tea, a heated metal surface, or the air in a sauna: горячий кофе, горячий чай, горячий утюг, горячий воздух.

On the other hand, “жаркий” is used to convey the idea of intense heat, mostly associated with weather or climate. In fact, it is something that you cannot change or affect (unlike hot items, such as an iron or a plate with soup). For instance, “жаркий день” would refer to a hot day, typically during the summer when the temperature is high and the sun is blazing. Other examples include “жаркий климат,” which refers to a hot climate, and “жаркая погода” for hot weather.

In summary, “горячий” is more commonly used to describe the temperature of objects or liquids, while “жаркий” is used to describe hot weather or a scorching environment. Understanding the distinction between these two words is important for accurate communication in Russian.