Inklingo

electricidad

/eh-lek-trih-see-dahd/

electricity

A glowing, stylized cartoon lightbulb connected to an energetic electrical current line, showing power transmission.

The word electricidad refers to the physical force or energy source, like the power that lights up a bulb.

electricidad(noun)

fA1

electricity

?

The physical force or energy source

,

power

?

Utility or supply

Also:

current

?

Referring to the flow of power

📝 In Action

Necesito pagar la factura de la electricidad este mes.

A1

I need to pay the electricity bill this month.

Cuando hay tormenta, a veces se va la electricidad.

A2

When there is a storm, sometimes the power goes out.

Descubrieron cómo almacenar la electricidad de forma más eficiente.

B1

They discovered how to store electricity more efficiently.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • factura de electricidadelectricity bill
  • cortar la electricidadto cut the power
  • generar electricidadto generate electricity

💡 Grammar Points

Gender Alert

Remember that 'electricidad' is always feminine, so you must use 'la' before it: 'la electricidad'. Nouns ending in -dad are almost always feminine.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Using 'luz' instead of 'electricidad'

Mistake: "La luz se fue."

Correction: Se fue la electricidad. (While 'luz' is often used informally to mean power, 'electricidad' is the precise, broader term for the power supply when discussing technical aspects.)

⭐ Usage Tips

Power Outage

The most common way to say the power went out is 'Se fue la electricidad' or, more informally, 'Se fue la luz'.

Two stylized human figures standing close together, with a small yellow spark jumping between them, symbolizing connection or chemistry.

Electricidad can also mean a 'spark' or strong connection, often used metaphorically for chemistry between people.

electricidad(noun)

fB2

spark

?

Chemistry or connection between people

,

tension

?

Atmosphere of excitement or conflict

Also:

vibe

?

Informal feeling or atmosphere

📝 In Action

Había una electricidad palpable en el aire antes del concierto.

B2

There was a palpable electricity (tension/excitement) in the air before the concert.

La electricidad entre los dos personajes en la película era increíble.

C1

The chemistry (electricity) between the two characters in the movie was incredible.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • química (chemistry)
  • tensión (tension)

Common Collocations

  • electricidad palpablepalpable electricity/tension
  • sentir la electricidadto feel the tension/spark

💡 Grammar Points

Figurative Use

This meaning uses the word to describe a feeling or connection that is strong and energetic, similar to how a physical electric current flows.

⭐ Usage Tips

Focus on Atmosphere

Use this meaning when describing the intense feeling or 'vibe' of a crowd, a performance, or a romantic encounter.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: electricidad

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence uses 'electricidad' in its figurative sense (meaning chemistry or tension)?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a difference between 'luz' and 'electricidad'?

Yes, but they are often used interchangeably! 'Electricidad' is the precise, general term for the power source. 'Luz' literally means 'light,' but in daily Spanish, people often say 'la luz' to refer to the electric utility bill or when the power goes out (e.g., 'Se fue la luz').

Since 'electricidad' ends in -dad, is it always feminine?

Yes, almost all Spanish nouns that end in '-dad' (like 'ciudad', 'libertad', 'universidad') are feminine. You should always use 'la' with them.