ciclón
/θiˈklon/
The English word "cyclone" is ciclón in Spanish.
ciclón refers specifically to the weather phenomenon found in the South Pacific and Indian Ocean. In more technical or formal discussions regarding weather systems, you may encounter Tormenta ciclónica to mean "cyclonic storm" or Depresión tropical to refer to a "tropical depression" when describing the early stages of these systems.
Meaning: South Pacific and Indian Ocean weather phenomenon (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
/θiˈklon/
Did you know?
- In some Latin American contexts, ciclón is used to refer to a powerful vacuum cleaner or a specific type of industrial suction machine.
- The word huracán shares the same roots as the English 'hurricane' and comes from the Taíno language of the Caribbean, not from Spanish or Latin.
- While 'cyclone' describes the storm, the Spanish word torbellino is often used metaphorically to describe a person who is very energetic or a situation that is chaotic.
Examples in context
- El ciclón se está intensificando rápidamente en la costa este.The cyclone is rapidly intensifying on the east coast.
- En mi región, llamamos a los ciclones "tifones."In my region, we call cyclones "tifones."
- El ciclón se mueve hacia el sur.The cyclone is moving towards the south.
- Hubo un ciclón muy fuerte ayer.There was a very strong cyclone yesterday.
- El ciclón afectó a las islas.The cyclone affected the islands.
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are watching the news on TV.
- JavierMira, dicen que viene un ciclón.Look, they say a cyclone is coming.
- ElenaEspero que no sea muy peligroso.I hope it is not too dangerous.
- JavierEl ciclón podría llegar mañana por la tarde.The cyclone could arrive tomorrow afternoon.
- ElenaEntonces debemos comprar agua y comida.Then we should buy water and food.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ciclón, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
