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rayo

rra-yoˈraʝo

lightning bolt, flash of lightning

NounmA2
A bright yellow, jagged lightning bolt striking a dark landscape under heavy storm clouds.

📝 In Action

Un rayo cayó sobre el árbol más alto del campo.

A2

A lightning bolt struck the tallest tree in the field.

Después del rayo, siempre escuchamos el trueno.

A2

After the flash of lightning, we always hear the thunder.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • relámpago (lightning (the flash))
  • centella (streak of lightning)

Common Collocations

  • caer un rayo – a lightning bolt to strike
  • pararrayos – lightning rod

ray, beam

Also: spoke
NounmB1
A single, distinct beam of bright golden sunlight cutting through a darker space.

📝 In Action

Un rayo de sol se filtraba por la ventana.

B1

A ray of sunshine filtered through the window.

Le hicieron una radiografía de rayos X para ver el hueso roto.

B2

They took an X-ray (ray of X) to see the broken bone.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • rayos X – X-rays
  • rayo láser – laser beam

damn, heck

InterjectionmC1informal
A simple cartoon character with wide eyes and raised hands expressing surprise and mild frustration.

📝 In Action

¿Qué rayo estás haciendo aquí?

C1

What the heck are you doing here?

¡Me importa un rayo lo que piense!

C1

I don't give a damn what he thinks!

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • carajo (damn it (stronger))
  • demonios (hell/heck)

Common Collocations

  • ¡Qué rayo! – What the heck!
  • ir hecho un rayo – to go like a bolt (very fast)

Idioms & Expressions

  • Me importa un rayo – I don't care at all; I couldn't care less.

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "rayo" in Spanish:

beam→heck→lightning bolt→ray→spoke→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: rayo

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence uses 'rayo' in its highly informal, expressive context?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
rayar(to scratch, to draw lines) — Verb
radiante(radiant, beaming) — Adjective
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

Comes from the Latin word *radius*, meaning 'rod,' 'spoke of a wheel,' or 'ray of light.' The concept of a sudden, straight line of light or energy has remained the core meaning throughout its history.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: raioItalian: raggio

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I distinguish between 'rayo' and 'relámpago'?

'Rayo' is the physical bolt or flash itself, and is often used to mean 'lightning bolt.' 'Relámpago' specifically refers only to the flash or light, without the accompanying thunder, and often emphasizes the speed and light rather than the destructive force.

Can 'rayo' be used to mean something fast?

Yes! The phrase 'ir hecho un rayo' literally means 'to go made into a lightning bolt,' and is a common way to say someone is moving extremely quickly.