levante
/leh-VAHN-teh/
Levant wind
The powerful levante wind, often hot and dry, sweeps across the land.
levante(noun)
Levant wind
?strong, hot east wind
,east wind
?general term for wind from the east
hot wind
?regional description
📝 In Action
Cuando sopla el levante, las playas de Cádiz están llenas de surfistas.
B1When the East wind blows, the beaches in Cádiz are full of surfers.
El levante es conocido por traer mucho calor en verano.
B2The Levant wind is known for bringing a lot of heat in the summer.
💡 Grammar Points
Use of the Article
As a noun referring to the specific wind, 'levante' almost always needs the masculine article 'el' (el levante).
⭐ Usage Tips
Regional Focus
This meaning is strongly associated with southern Spain. If you are learning Spanish for Mexico or Argentina, you will rarely hear this term.
Levante can refer to the East, the direction where the sun rises.
levante(noun)
the East
?cardinal direction
,the Orient
?geographical region (the Levant)
sunrise
?archaic/poetic reference to where the sun rises
📝 In Action
La ventana de mi casa da al levante.
A2My house's window faces the East.
Históricamente, el comercio se centraba en las rutas hacia el levante.
C1Historically, trade was centered on the routes toward the Levant (the East).
💡 Grammar Points
Direction vs. Wind
When 'levante' refers to the direction (East), it often substitutes the more common word 'este', especially in literary or traditional descriptions.
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal Context
Use 'este' for everyday directions (A1-A2 level). Reserve 'levante' for discussing geography, history, or specific winds.
The word levante can also describe an uprising or rebellion.
levante(noun)
uprising
?revolt or rebellion
,rising
?act of getting up (archaic)
revolt
?political action
📝 In Action
El levante popular de 1808 marcó el inicio de la guerra.
C1The popular uprising of 1808 marked the beginning of the war.
Temían un levante armado contra el gobierno.
C2They feared an armed revolt against the government.
💡 Grammar Points
Connection to the Verb
This noun comes directly from the verb 'levantar' (to raise, to lift), meaning the act of 'raising oneself up' against authority.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: levante
Question 1 of 1
Which of these sentences uses 'levante' to mean a political event?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'levante' the same as 'este'?
They both mean 'East'. However, 'este' is the standard, neutral term for the cardinal direction. 'Levante' is often used specifically for the East wind, or in more formal or traditional language when referring to the direction or the geographic region (like the Middle East).
How do I know if 'levante' refers to the wind or the direction?
If it is described as 'soplando' (blowing) or if it affects the weather (calor, arena), it's the wind. If it is used with 'hacia' (toward) or 'da a' (faces), it's the direction.