tormenta
/toɾˈmenta/feminine
The English phrase 'thunderstorm' is translated into Spanish as tormenta. Wiktionary also lists tronada and tormenta electrica.
Meaning: storm with thunder and lightning (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| tormenta | /toɾˈmenta/ | feminine |
| tronada | /tɾoˈnada/ | |
| tormenta electrica | /toɾmenta eleɡtɾika/ (from spelling rules) | feminine |
A thunderstorm is a storm characterized by thunder and lightning. In Spanish, you can use the general term tormenta to describe a storm or use rayo if you want to specifically refer to the lightning bolt within the storm.
Which one should you use?
The word tormenta is a feminine noun. You may also see tormenta electrica used to specifically mean an electrical storm, though tormenta alone is often sufficient depending on the context. The word tronada is another form used for a thunderstorm.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase tormenta eléctrica is used when a speaker wants to specify that the storm is an electrical one.
How do you pronounce it?
/toɾˈmenta/
Did you know?
- The word tormenta shares an unexpected root with the English word 'torment'. Both come from the Latin 'tormentum', which originally referred to a siege engine or a device used to inflict pain.
- The word tormenta can be used in the phrase tormenta de ideas, which is the direct translation of 'brainstorming'.
- If you want to talk about the lightning flash itself, the word is relámpago. While rayo is a single bolt, relámpago refers more to the bright flash of light seen in the sky.
Examples in context
- Se espera una tormenta con muchos rayos.A huge thunderstorm is expected.This sentence shows how to use tormenta to describe an expected storm with lightning.Tatoeba #1444499 by wallebot, translation #10056142 by espamatics
- Logré desenterrar una sección íntegra de fulgurita de casi 14 cm de longitud en el suelo arcilloso de mi jardín después de que cayera un rayo en él durante la tormenta de ayer por la tarde.I managed to dig up a complete fulgurite section almost 14 cm in length from the clayey soil of my garden after it was struck by lighting during yesterday afternoon's thunderstorm.This sentence uses tormenta to refer to a thunderstorm that occurred in the afternoon.Tatoeba #10349050 by Seael, translation #10612067 by sangelo
- El tiempo no tiene divisiones para marcar su paso, nunca hay una tormenta o un soplar de trompetas para indicar el comienzo de un nuevo mes o año. Incluso cuando empieza un nuevo siglo sólo somos nosotros, los mortales, los que tocamos las campanas y disparamos con nuestras pistolas.Time has no divisions to mark its passage, there is never a thunderstorm or blare of trumpets to announce the beginning of a new month or year. Even when a new century begins it is only we mortals who ring bells and fire off pistols.This sentence uses tormenta in a metaphorical context regarding the passage of time.Tatoeba #525967 by Shishir, translation #408878 by Scott
- Durante la conferencia sobre fenómenos atmosféricos, el meteorólogo explicó los peligros asociados a las tormentas eléctricas.During the conference on atmospheric phenomena, the meteorologist explained the dangers associated with thunderstorms.
- ¡Hace unos días hubo una tormenta increíble! Los truenos y los relámpagos no dejaron de asombrarnos.There was an incredible thunderstorm a few days ago! The thunder and lightning never ceased to amaze us.
- Ayer caía una tronada impresionante. ¡Los rayos iluminaban todo el cielo!Yesterday, there was an impressive thunderstorm. The lightning was illuminating the entire sky!
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Alejandro are looking out the window at the dark sky.
- Lucía¿Ves esas nubes negras?Do you see those black clouds?
- AlejandroSí, parece que viene una tormenta.Yes, it looks like a storm is coming.
- LucíaEspero que la tormenta no sea muy fuerte.I hope the storm is not too strong.
- AlejandroNo te preocupes, Lucía, estamos seguros aquí.Don't worry, Lucía, we are safe here.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “thunderstorm” translations and entries tormenta, tronada, 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 tormenta, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
