10 Ways to Say “I’m Cold/Hot”

Learning how to express I’m Cold/Hot in different ways is key to having natural, everyday conversations in English. Whether you’re asking for the air conditioning to be turned up or need a warm blanket, knowing these common expressions will help you communicate clearly and fit in with native speakers. It’s a fundamental part of daily life and a great way to boost your fluency!

Common Ways to Say ‘I’m Cold/Hot’

For Feeling Cold 🥶

• I’m freezing!
  Meaning: You are extremely cold. This is a very common, slightly dramatic way to say I’m Cold/Hot (specifically cold).
  It’s only 40 degrees outside—I’m freezing! Can we please go inside?
• I’m chilly.
  Meaning: You are moderately cold, a little bit uncomfortable. It’s a milder way to say you’re cold.
  It’s a little chilly in here; maybe I should grab a light sweater.
• My hands/feet are numb.
  Meaning: Your extremities are so cold they have lost feeling. Use this for a more specific feeling of coldness.
  I was playing in the snow without gloves, and now my hands are numb.
• I need to warm up.
  Meaning: You are cold and need to get warm. This expresses both the feeling and the immediate need for a solution.
  After that long walk in the rain, I really need to warm up with a hot drink.

For Feeling Hot 🥵

• I’m melting!
  Meaning: You are extremely hot, to the point of feeling weak or uncomfortable. Like “I’m freezing,” it’s a very common exaggeration to express I’m Cold/Hot (specifically hot).
  The air conditioning is broken, and it’s 95 degrees—I’m melting!
• I’m sweating.
  Meaning: You are hot and your body is producing perspiration. This is a clear, factual way to state you are hot.
  It’s so humid; I’m sweating just sitting here.
• It’s a scorcher today.
  Meaning: This is used to describe the weather—it means it’s an extremely hot day. Use this to talk about the outdoor temperature.
  Don’t forget your hat and water; it’s a scorcher today!
• I’m overheated.
  Meaning: You have become too hot, possibly feeling dizzy or ill. This suggests you need to cool down right away.
  I was exercising in the sun for too long and now I’m overheated.
• I need to cool off.
  Meaning: You are hot and need to get to a cooler temperature. It’s like the opposite of “I need to warm up.”
  I’m so hot from running, I need to cool off in the shade for a while.
• The heat is unbearable.
  Meaning: The high temperature is very difficult or impossible to stand. This is a stronger, more formal way to express I’m Cold/Hot (hot) distress.
  I can’t wait for the sun to set; the heat is unbearable right now.

Real-Life Dialogues

Dialogue 1: In the Office
Sarah: Brr! I’m freezing! Did someone turn the AC way up?
Tom: Oh, sorry. I was sweating earlier, so I turned it down a little. I didn’t realize you were chilly.
Sarah: No worries. Can we put it on a neutral setting? I don’t want to say I’m Cold/Hot all day!

Dialogue 2: On a Summer Day
Maria: Wow, it’s a scorcher today! I’m melting just standing here.
David: I know! I’m so overheated. We need to find some shade.
Maria: Good idea. Let’s grab a cold drink; I need to cool off fast.

Dialogue 3: After Playing Outside
Mom: Are you okay, sweetie? You look pale.
Child: I think my feet are numb, Mom! It was so cold outside.
Mom: Come here. Let’s get you inside; you need to warm up right now.

Quick Tips: Choosing the Right Phrase

Situation	Recommended Expression	Why?
You feel a little cold breeze inside.	“I’m chilly.”	This is a mild and polite way to express slight discomfort.
It’s the middle of summer, and you feel sick from the heat.	“I’m overheated.” or “I’m melting!”	These convey an urgent and extreme feeling of being hot.
You’ve been outside in the snow without a coat.	“I’m freezing!”	This is a very common, slightly dramatic exaggeration that native speakers use for intense cold.
You are wet and want to get inside quickly.	“I need to warm up.”	This tells people exactly what your next step should be to fix the cold feeling.

The best way to master these is to start using them! Next time you want to say I’m Cold/Hot, choose one of these new phrases. The more you practice, the more natural they will become. Keep up the great work and keep speaking English! Happy learning! 😊