tormenta tropical
/toɾmenta tɾopikal/from spelling rulesfeminine
In Spanish, tropical storm is tormenta tropical.
The phrase refers to a cyclone.
Meaning: cyclone (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a literal translation of 'tropical storm', where tormenta means 'storm' and tropical means 'tropical'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some regions, especially in Mexico, the expression tormenta ciclónica is used to describe a tropical storm.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because tormenta is a feminine noun, you must use the feminine indefinite article una when saying 'a tropical storm' (una tormenta tropical). To form the plural, both the noun and the adjective must be pluralized: las tormentas tropicales.
How do you pronounce it?
/toɾmenta tɾopikal/
Did you know?
- The word tormenta shares a common ancestor with the English word 'torment', as both stem from the Latin 'tormentum', which originally referred to a siege engine or a tool used for twisting and stretching.
- In Spanish, the word tormenta can be used metaphorically to describe a violent emotional outburst or a chaotic argument between people.
- In many coastal regions, a tormenta is strictly distinguished from a lluvia because it must include wind to be called a storm.
Examples in context
- Esta es una tormenta tropical. Terminará pronto.This is a tropical storm. It'll be over soon.This sentence is useful for identifying a tormenta tropical.Tatoeba #855956 by opor, translation #278401 by CM
- ¡Hoy se espera una tormenta tropical con fuertes vientos y lluvias intensas!Today, a tropical storm with strong winds and heavy rainfall is expected!
- La tormenta tropical causó daños significativos en la costa este del país.The tropical storm caused significant damage on the east coast of the country.
- La tormenta tropical está cerca de la costa.The tropical storm is near the coast.
- Debemos prepararnos para la tormenta tropical.We must prepare for the tropical storm.
Example conversation
Elena and Alejandro are checking the weather report at home.
- Elena¿Viste las noticias sobre la tormenta tropical?Did you see the news about the tropical storm?
- AlejandroSí, Elena, parece que será muy fuerte.Yes, Elena, it looks like it will be very strong.
- ElenaEspero que no afecte a nuestra ciudad.I hope it doesn't affect our city.
- AlejandroOjalá, pero hay que tener mucha precaución.I hope so, but we must be very careful.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “tropical storm” translations, 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, tropical, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
