rayo
/ˈraʝo/
The English phrase "lightning bolt" is translated into Spanish as rayo.
rayo refers to a single visible lightning discharge. Beyond the literal physical phenomenon, it is used metaphorically to describe something that is extremely fast, such as in the expression rápido como un rayo (fast as lightning).
Meaning: single visible lightning discharge (noun)
Which one should you use?
While rayo refers to the visible bolt, it is also the word used for the thunderbolt or the flash of lightning itself. If you want to refer specifically to the bright flash of light in the sky, a common synonym is relámpago, whereas rayo often implies the strike or the bolt itself.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of rayo is rayos.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈraʝo/
Did you know?
- The word rayo is a linguistic relative of the English word 'radio'. Both descend from the Latin word radius, which originally meant a spoke of a wheel.
- In some Spanish speaking cultures, the phrase ¡Rayos y centellas! is used as an old fashioned exclamation of frustration or surprise, similar to saying 'Thunder and lightning!' in English.
- In Spanish, a rayo can describe a thin beam of light, such as a rayo de sol for a sunbeam, focusing on the linear shape of the light.
Examples in context
- Vi un rayo.I saw a lightning bolt.This sentence shows how to use rayo when describing seeing a lightning bolt.Tatoeba #11037596 by carlosalberto, translation #11021396 by shekitten
- El rayo iluminó el cielo durante la tormentaThe lightning bolt illuminated the sky during the storm
- El relámpago fue tan brillante que iluminó todo el campoThe lightning bolt was so bright that it illuminated the entire field
- Un rayo cayó muy cerca de aquíA lightning bolt struck very close to here
- Durante la tormenta, pudimos ver un relámpago impactante que iluminaba todo el océanoDuring the storm, we witnessed a striking lightning bolt that illuminated the entire ocean
- Un rayo iluminó todo el cielo.A lightning bolt illuminated the whole sky.
- El rayo cayó cerca de un árbol.The lightning bolt fell near a tree.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are watching a storm from a window.
- Alejandro¿Viste ese rayo?Did you see that lightning bolt?
- ElenaSí, fue un rayo muy fuerte.Yes, it was a very strong lightning bolt.
- AlejandroMe da miedo el ruido.The noise scares me.
- ElenaNo te preocupes, Alejandro.Don't worry, Alejandro.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry rayo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries rayo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
