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.
Related Words
Explore Italian by topic