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relámpago

reh-LAHM-pah-goh/reˈlampaɣo/

“relámpago” means “lightning” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

lightning

Also: flash
NounmA2
A bright yellow bolt of lightning striking down from a dark blue cloud against a purple sky.

📝 In Action

Vi un relámpago increíble desde mi ventana.

A2

I saw an incredible flash of lightning from my window.

El relámpago iluminó toda la habitación por un segundo.

B1

The lightning lit up the whole room for a second.

Después del relámpago, siempre viene el trueno.

A2

After the lightning, the thunder always comes.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • rayo (lightning bolt)
  • centella (spark/flash)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • tormenta de relámpagos – lightning storm
  • a la velocidad del relámpago – at lightning speed

Idioms & Expressions

  • como un relámpago – extremely fast

lightning

Also: sudden, express
A small, colorful bird flying so fast that it leaves a blurred trail behind it.

📝 In Action

Fue una visita relámpago; solo estuvimos allí una hora.

B1

It was a lightning visit; we were only there for an hour.

El ajedrez relámpago es muy estresante.

B2

Lightning chess is very stressful.

Hicieron una guerra relámpago para tomar la ciudad.

C1

They conducted a blitzkrieg (lightning war) to take the city.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • rápido (fast)
  • fugaz (fleeting)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • visita relámpago – a very short visit
  • viaje relámpago – a quick trip

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: relámpago

Question 1 of 3

What is the difference between a 'relámpago' and a 'trueno'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
relampaguear(to flash with lightning) — Verb
relampagueante(flashing/dazzling) — Adjective
relampagueo(the act of flashing) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
espárragovástago
📚 Etymology▼

From the Spanish verb 'relampaguear', which comes from a combination of Latin 're-' (again) and 'lampas' (torch/lamp), originally from Greek.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: relâmpagoEnglish: lamp

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'relámpago' the same as 'rayo'?

Not exactly. A 'relámpago' is the flash of light seen in the sky/clouds. A 'rayo' is the actual bolt of electricity that can strike the ground or an object.

Why do people say 'guerra relámpago'?

It is the direct translation of the German word 'Blitzkrieg,' used to describe a fast, overwhelming military attack.

Can I use 'relámpago' for a camera flash?

No, for a camera flash we usually use the word 'flash' (borrowed from English) or 'destello'.