oleada
/oleˈada/
The English phrase 'surge' can be translated to Spanish as oleada.
oleada is used to describe a sudden rush, flood or increase. While it can be used in a nautical context to mean a swell of the sea, it is most commonly used metaphorically to describe a sudden increase in abstract things like emotions, people or phenomena (e.g., a surge of popularity or a wave of heat).
Meaning: to rush, flood, or increase suddenly (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The word oleada is derived from ola, which means 'wave' and literally refers to a 'wave' or 'surge' of something.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, oleada is used in contexts similar to a surge.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of oleada is oleadas.
How do you pronounce it?
/oleˈada/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not mistake the noun oleada for a verb. To express the action of surging (to surge), you should use a verb such as aumentar (to increase) or dispararse (to skyrocket).
Did you know?
- To describe a surge in prices or numbers, Spanish speakers often use dispararse, which literally means 'to shoot oneself' or 'to fire a gun'.
- While oleada describes a surge, the Spanish word for 'wave' ola is a homophone for hola ('hello'). This means a speaker can say 'hello' and 'wave' with identical pronunciation, distinguished only by the written 'h'.
- When describing a surge of emotion, Spanish speakers may use arrebato, which suggests a sudden 'snatching' or 'seizing' of the mind, contrasting with the fluid 'wave' imagery of oleada.
Examples in context
- La Gran Depresión disparó un gran oleada de crímenes.The Great Depression triggered a great surge in crime.This sentence shows how oleada is used to describe a surge in crime.Tatoeba #5993127 by albrusgher, translation #5928098 by OsoHombre
- Ha habido un aumento significativo en las ventasThere has been a significant surge in sales
- Hubo un incremento en la población de la ciudadThere was a surge in the city's population
- El alza del dólar ha afectado la economía localThe surge in the dollar has impacted the local economy
- Sentí un subidón de alegría al recibir la noticiaI felt a surge of joy upon receiving the news
- El bar experimentó un pico de clientes después del partidoThe bar experienced a surge of customers after the game
- Hubo una avalancha de solicitudes de empleoThere was a surge of job applications
- Hubo una oleada de calor este verano.There was a heat surge this summer.
- El sistema recibió una oleada de mensajes.The system received a surge of messages.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Lucía are discussing the news.
- AlejandroMira, hay una oleada de compras online.Look, there is a surge in online shopping.
- LucíaEs normal por las ofertas de temporada.It is normal because of the seasonal offers.
- AlejandroSí, pero la demanda es demasiado alta.Yes, but the demand is too high.
- LucíaSeguro que las tiendas no pueden seguir el ritmo.I'm sure the stores can't keep up.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry oleada, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
