Spanish Phrase
Unos 20 grados.
Meaning
Literally ‘about 20 degrees’, this phrase is used to give an approximate temperature reading. It conveys that the speaker does not have an exact measurement, but the value is close to 20 °C.
When to use
Use it when talking about the weather, indoor climate, cooking temperatures, or any situation where you need to give a quick, approximate temperature estimate.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Unos20grados
Unos (approximation)
‘Unos’ is an indefinite quantifier used before numbers to mean ‘about, roughly’. It softens the exactness of the figure.
Número cardinal en cifras
When a number is written as a digit (20) it is read as the word ‘veinte’; the numeral does not affect the grammar.
Grados (temperature unit)
‘Grados’ refers to degrees of temperature (Celsius in most Spanish‑speaking countries). It is a masculine plural noun.
🗨In Conversation
¿Qué temperatura hace hoy?
What’s the temperature today?
Unos 20 grados.
Around 20 degrees.
✕Common Mistakes
Unos veinte grados exactos.
‘Unos’ already signals approximation; adding ‘veinte’ as a word is fine, but learners often misuse it with exact numbers, e.g., saying ‘unos veinte grados exactos’.
Unos 20 grados Celsius.
In everyday speech the unit is implied; saying ‘Celsius’ sounds overly technical unless needed for clarification.
Unos 20 gradoses.
‘Grados’ is already plural; do not add an extra ‘-es’ ending.
↔Alternatives
Alrededor de 20 grados.
Around 20 degrees.
Más o menos 20 grados.
More or less 20 degrees.
Cerca de 20 grados.
Close to 20 degrees.
Cultural Tip
In virtually every Spanish‑speaking country temperature is reported in Celsius, not Fahrenheit. The word ‘grados’ alone is enough; you rarely need to add ‘Celsius’ unless you’re speaking to someone from a country that uses Fahrenheit. Also, ‘unos’ can be paired with any number (unos 30 minutos, unos 5 euros) to give a relaxed, non‑exact estimate.