Spanish Conversation · Level 69
60 words
Spanish word
continental
Pronunciation
IPA/kontinenˈtal/
Meaning
- adjectivecontinental
Example
El clima continental es más seco que el marítimo.
The continental climate is drier than the maritime climate.
More examples
¿Has notado el aire continental al viajar hacia el interior?
Have you noticed the continental air when traveling inland?
Core concept
Adjective meaning belonging to or describing a continent as a whole.
Common phrases
clima continental
continental climate
verano continental
continental summer
Similar words
marítimo: Describing places close to the sea with damp air and milder temperatures.
interior: Located in or describing the inner lands of a country or continent.
seco: Marked by dryness and little available moisture.
costero: Located on or describing land along the coast.
Definition in Spanish
Que pertenece o se refiere a un continente, a su masa terrestre y a las características del interior continental.
Word origin
Formed in Latin as continentālis from continēre 'to hold', giving Spanish the sense 'pertaining to a continent'.
Usage tips
- Continental appears in non-geographic collocations such as 'desayuno continental' meaning a light European-style breakfast.