carámbano
/kaˈɾambano/masculine
The Spanish word for icicle is carámbano. Wiktionary also lists chuzo and pinganello.
Meaning: a spear-shape of ice (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| carámbano | /kaˈɾambano/ | masculine |
| chuzo | /ˈt͡ʃuθo/ /ˈt͡ʃuso/ |
masculine |
| pinganello | /pinɡaneʝo/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| candelizo | /kandeliθo/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /kandeliso/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
masculine |
The word refers to a spear-shaped piece of ice.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
carámbano is the standard and most widely recognized term across the Spanish-speaking world.
Is it said differently in some regions?
chuzo, pinganello and candelizo are regional terms for icicle.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of carámbano is carámbanos.
How do you pronounce it?
/kaˈɾambano/
Did you know?
- The word carámbano shares a common ancestor with the English word 'calamari'. Both derive from the Greek word for 'reed' or 'stalk'.
Examples in context
- El carámbano es una columna de hielo.An icicle is a pillar of ice.This sentence explains that a carámbano is a pillar of ice.Tatoeba #9679473 by BilalBouy, translation #10016435 by espamatics
- Los carámbanos lucían hermosos colgando del techo de la cueva de hielo.The icicles looked beautiful hanging from the ceiling of the ice cave.
- Un carámbano cayó del tejado.An icicle fell from the roof.
- Mira ese carámbano de hielo.Look at that icicle.
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are looking out the window at a snowy day.
- JavierHay un carámbano muy grande en la ventana.There is a very large icicle on the window.
- LucíaEs impresionante cómo brilla el hielo.It is impressive how the ice shines.
- JavierTen cuidado si sales con el frío.Be careful if you go out in the cold.
- LucíaNo te preocupes, Javier.Don't worry, Javier.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “icicle” translations and entries carámbano, chuzo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries carámbano, chuzo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
