Inklingo

ráfaga

RAH-fah-gah/ˈrafaɣa/

ráfaga means gust in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

gust

Also: burst
NounfB1
A strong wind blowing through a grassy field, making the tall grass and a single tree lean heavily to one side.

📝 In Action

Una ráfaga de viento se llevó mi sombrero.

A2

A gust of wind took my hat.

Las ráfagas de luz de los fuegos artificiales iluminaron el cielo.

B1

The bursts of light from the fireworks lit up the sky.

El piloto tuvo problemas para aterrizar debido a las fuertes ráfagas.

B2

The pilot had trouble landing due to the strong gusts.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • ráfaga de vientogust of wind
  • ráfaga de luzburst of light
  • viento a ráfagasgusty wind

burst

Also: flurry
NounfB2
A person with a joyful expression and arms wide open, surrounded by bright, exploding colorful sparks representing a sudden burst of emotion.

📝 In Action

Sintió una ráfaga de nostalgia al ver las fotos antiguas.

B2

He felt a burst of nostalgia upon seeing the old photos.

El arma disparó una ráfaga de tres balas.

B2

The weapon fired a burst of three bullets.

Hubo una ráfaga de preguntas después de la presentación.

C1

There was a flurry of questions after the presentation.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Idioms & Expressions

  • en ráfagashappening in short, sudden bursts rather than continuously

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "ráfaga" in Spanish:

flurry

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: ráfaga

Question 1 of 3

Which of these is the most common use for 'una ráfaga'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family
racha(a gust or a streak of luck)Noun
racheado(gusty (describing weather))Adjective
🎵 Rhymes
tránsfuga
📚 Etymology

Likely of imitative origin, meant to mimic the sound of rushing air or a sudden movement. It shares roots with 'racha'.

First recorded: 17th century

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: ráfaga

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'viento' and 'ráfaga'?

'Viento' is the general word for wind. 'Ráfaga' is a specific, sudden increase in the wind's speed that lasts only a few seconds.

Can I use 'ráfaga' for a camera?

Yes! In photography, 'modo ráfaga' is 'burst mode,' where the camera takes many photos very quickly.

Is 'racha' the same as 'ráfaga'?

They are very similar. 'Ráfaga' is usually for wind or light, while 'racha' is often used for a period of time (like a 'winning streak' or 'mala racha').