Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| avalancha | /abaˈlant͡ʃa/ | feminine |
| alud | /aˈlud/ | masculine |
The term refers to a large sliding mass of snow and ice. While alud is the specific term for snow or ice, avalancha is a more general term that can describe any large sliding mass, such as mud or debris. Additionally, avalancha is used figuratively to describe an overwhelming amount of something, such as an avalanche of criticism.
Which one should you use?
The choice between the two words depends on precision and type of material. alud is the more technical and precise term used specifically for snow or ice, often seen in the phrase alud de nieve (snow avalanche). In contrast, avalancha is broader and can refer to any large sliding mass, including those made of mud or other debris.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some South American countries, such as Argentina and Chile, the word aluvión can be used as a synonym for avalancha.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word alud is a masculine noun and must be preceded by masculine articles like el or un. The word avalancha is a feminine noun and must be preceded by feminine articles like la or una.
How do you pronounce it?
/abaˈlantʃa/
Did you know?
- While 'avalancha' is a direct loanword from the French 'avalanche', the term alud has much deeper roots in the Basque language, coming from the word elur, which means 'snow'.
- If you are describing a devastating flow of mud or water in parts of South America, you might use aluvión instead of avalancha to specify the nature of the debris.
Examples in context
- Tom murió en la avalancha.Tom was killed in the avalanche.This sentence uses avalancha.Tatoeba #3028988 by marcelostockle, translation #2821277 by CK
- Quedó sepultado por un alud.The gravedigger was left by an avalanche.This sentence uses alud.Tatoeba #1633807 by wallebot, translation #3060295 by OJR1
- El alud mató a quince personas.The avalanche killed fifteen people.Tatoeba #11733320 by Seael, translation #13045134 by araneo
- ¡Cuidado! ¡Hubo un alud cerca de la estación de esquí!Watch out! There was an avalanche near the ski station!
- No podemos ir a la montaña hoy debido al riesgo de aludes.We cannot go to the mountain today due to the risk of avalanches.
- El deslizamiento de nieve bloqueó la carretera principal.The snowslide blocked the main road.
- Los esquiadores fueron sorprendidos por un alud de nieve mientras practicaban deportes de invierno.The skiers were surprised by a snow avalanche while practicing winter sports.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Mateo are looking at a map of a ski resort.
- LucíaTen cuidado, esta zona tiene riesgo de avalancha.Be careful, this area has a risk of avalanche.
- MateoNo sabía que era tan peligroso aquí.I didn't know it was so dangerous here.
- LucíaSí, una avalancha puede bajar muy rápido.Yes, an avalanche can come down very quickly.
- MateoEntonces cambiaremos nuestra ruta, Lucía.Then we will change our route, Lucía.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “avalanche” translations and entries avalancha, alud, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries alud, avalancha, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
