The present paper is an analysis of the basic and extended meanings of temperature terms and the grammar of temperature expressions in Kambaata (Cushitic, Ethiopia) in comparison to related Highland East Cushitic languages. Globally, Kambaata has a system of two opposing temperature values, 'cold' vs. 'warm'. The lexeme iib-'be(come) warm' contrasts with the lexeme caal-'be(come) (tactile) cold' in the tactile frame of temperature evaluation, while it contrasts with gid-'be(come) (non-tactile) cold' in the domain of ambient (weather) and personal-feeling (inner) temperature. Even though the lexeme for 'cold' is shared, the expression of personal-feeling temperature is constructionally different from the expression of ambient temperature. As for the extended uses of temperature terms, Kambaata is shown to conceptualise freshness, spiciness and busyness / increased activity as warmth, excessive thirst and anger as heat. Unlike many other languages in the world, Kambaata does not link warmth to affection. Furthermore, coolness is linked metaphorically to calmness and to the absence of thirst; inactivity, shock, the absence of grief and pain are conceptualised as cold.