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tormenta

tor-MEN-ta/toɾˈmenta/

“tormenta” means “storm” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

storm

Also: tempest, gale
NounfA1
A dramatic illustration of a severe weather storm with dark, heavy rain clouds, heavy falling rain, and a bright lightning bolt striking the landscape.

📝 In Action

Tuvimos que cancelar el partido por la tormenta eléctrica.

A1

We had to cancel the game because of the thunderstorm.

La tormenta de nieve cubrió la ciudad en solo una hora.

A2

The snowstorm covered the city in just one hour.

Después de la tormenta, salió el sol y vimos un arco iris.

A1

After the storm, the sun came out and we saw a rainbow.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • temporal (storm/bad weather)
  • aguacero (downpour)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • tormenta eléctrica – thunderstorm
  • tormenta tropical – tropical storm

Idioms & Expressions

  • la calma antes de la tormenta – a quiet period before trouble starts

outburst

Also: turmoil, crisis
NounfB2
A storybook illustration of a simple character having an emotional outburst, shown by a volatile, jagged cloud of red and yellow lines erupting forcefully from the top of their head.

📝 In Action

Su renuncia provocó una tormenta política en el país.

B2

His resignation caused a political storm (crisis) in the country.

Ella tuvo una tormenta de lágrimas después de la noticia.

C1

She had an outburst of tears after the news.

La empresa atraviesa una tormenta financiera.

B2

The company is going through a financial crisis/turmoil.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • tormenta de ideas – brainstorming session (literally: storm of ideas)
  • tormenta emocional – emotional turmoil

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "tormenta" in Spanish:

crisis→gale→outburst→storm→tempest→turmoil→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: tormenta

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence uses 'tormenta' in its figurative (non-weather) sense?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
tormentoso(stormy) — Adjective
atormentar(to torment or bother) — Verb
🎵 Rhymes▼
lamentacuenta
📚 Etymology▼

This word comes from the Latin *tormentum*, which originally referred to a twisted rope or a machine for hurling objects. Over time, its meaning shifted to refer to great distress, trouble, and eventually, the violent upheaval of the weather.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: tormentaItalian: tormenta

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'tormenta' the same as 'lluvia'?

No. 'Lluvia' means simple rain. 'Tormenta' is much stronger and includes heavy rain, strong winds, thunder, or snow. A storm is severe weather, while rain is just wet weather.

How do I say 'thunderstorm' using 'tormenta'?

You would say 'tormenta eléctrica' (literally 'electrical storm').