Templado vs. tibio
The Spanish words 'templado' and 'tibio' can both be used to express the concept of 'lukewarm' in English. However, they are used in slightly different contexts and convey subtly different meanings.
Templado
'Templado' generally refers to a moderate or mild temperature, often in relation to weather or the environment. Additionally, it is also used metaphorically to describe a person's temper or mood.
El clima aquí es siempre templado.
(The climate here is always mild.)
Mi café está templado, prefiero tomarlo caliente.
(My coffee is lukewarm, I prefer it hot.)
El acero templado es muy resistente.
(Tempered steel is very resistant.)
Tibio
'Tibio' also means lukewarm, but it is more commonly used for temperatures of liquids like water or food. It's less commonly used to describe weather or other environments.
Yo prefiero el agua tibia para bañarme.
(I prefer lukewarm water for bathing.)
Se sirve la cerveza tibia en este bar.
(The beer is served lukewarm in this bar.)
La sopa está tibia, debería estar más caliente.
(The soup is lukewarm, it should be hotter.)
Summary
'Templado' and 'tibio' both indicate a middle-ground temperature between hot and cold, akin to what English-speakers would call 'lukewarm'. However, they are used differently. 'Templado' frequently pertains to environmental temperatures and can also refer to an individual's temperament or the condition of materials like metals. In contrast, 'tibio' most commonly relates to the temperature of liquids especially those we consume.