trueno
/ˈtɾweno/
The Spanish word for thunder is trueno.
Trueno is the standard noun used to describe the deep, rumbling noise heard during a storm. You may also use the verb tronar to describe the act of making a sound like thunder or to describe anything that makes a loud, booming noise.
Meaning: deep, rumbling noise (noun)
Which one should you use?
While English speakers sometimes use the word 'lightning' to refer to the entire storm event, Spanish speakers make a clear distinction between the visual flash, which is rayo and the auditory sound, which is trueno. Additionally, retumbo can be used instead of trueno if you want to specifically emphasize a loud or prolonged thunderclap.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form truenos is commonly used to describe multiple rolls of thunder or a continuous rumbling sound.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtɾweno/
Did you know?
- In common parlance, tronar can be used as a slang term in some regions to mean failing an exam or 'bombing' a test.
- The verb tronar is used to describe the sound of a joint popping or cracking, such as when someone cracks their knuckles.
- In certain poetic contexts, the word tronar can be used to describe a person speaking with a very powerful, commanding, or angry voice.
Examples in context
- El rayo precede al trueno.Lightning precedes thunder.This sentence is useful for describing the sequence of a storm using trueno.Tatoeba #1207284 by Shishir, translation #27161 by CK
- El trueno se hizo más fuerte.The thunder became louder.This sentence shows how to describe the increasing volume of trueno.Tatoeba #1433599 by Shishir, translation #325170 by CK
- Escuché truenos en la lejanía.I heard it thunder in the distance.This sentence demonstrates the use of trueno to describe hearing sounds in the distance.Tatoeba #2232580 by marcelostockle, translation #25840 by CK
- El trueno se escuchó en toda la ciudadThe thunder was heard throughout the city
- Durante la tormenta eléctrica, los truenos resonaban en el cieloDuring the thunderstorm, the thunder resonated in the sky
- Durante el pampero, los pampeanos escuchan los truenosDuring the pampero, people from the Pampas region listen to the thunder
- 17 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A couple is watching a storm from their window.
- Javier¿Escuchaste ese trueno?Did you hear that thunder?
- SofíaSí, fue muy fuerte.Yes, it was very loud.
- JavierEl trueno viene de la montaña.The thunder is coming from the mountain.
- SofíaParece que va a llover pronto.It looks like it's going to rain soon.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry trueno, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
