Chilly vs. Chile vs. Chili

Let’s learn about the words “chilly,” “Chile,” and “chili.” They look and sound similar but mean different things.

Chilly

History: The word “chilly” comes from Old English. It means cold or cool.

How to Use: “Chilly” is an adjective. We use it to describe the weather or how something feels.

Example Sentences:

• The morning wind feels chilly.
• After the sun sets, it becomes chilly outside.
• My hands are chilly without gloves.
• The chilly breeze made me shiver.
• We need a blanket because it is chilly tonight.

Chile

History: “Chile” is the name of a country in South America.

How to Use: “Chile” is a proper noun. We use it to talk about the country.

Example Sentences:

• Santiago is the capital of Chile.
• Chile is famous for its mountains.
• They went on a trip to Chile last year.
• We have friends who live in Chile.
• Chile is a long, narrow country.

Chili

History: “Chili” comes from a Native Mexican word for a kind of spicy pepper or a dish with beans and meat.

How to Use: “Chili” is a noun. It can refer to a kind of pepper or a spicy dish made with beans and meat.

Example Sentences:

• We ate spicy chili for dinner.
• The recipe calls for red chili peppers.
• She likes her chili with extra cheese.
• The chili at the restaurant was very hot.
• Adding chili spices up the food.

Trick to Remember the Difference

• Chilly – Think of a “chilly” day, which means cold.
• Chile – Remember “Chile” is a country in South America.
• Chili – Think “chili” for spicy food or peppers.

Summary

Use “chilly” when talking about cold weather. “Chile” is the country in South America. Use “chili” for spicy peppers or the dish made with these peppers. Remembering these differences will help you use each word correctly.