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afa

sultry heat, muggy air

noun AH-fah Rare

Usage Note

Afa refers specifically to the oppressive, humid heat of summer — not mere warmth. It implies heaviness in the air and is a common complaint in Italian summers: Oggi c'è una bella afa ('It's really muggy today'). Unlike caldo (warmth/heat), afa always carries the sense of stifling humidity.

Examples

"Non riesco a dormire con questa afa."

Natural Translation

I can't sleep in this muggy heat.

Literal Translation

Not I-manage to sleep with this sultry-heat.

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