Inklingo
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tormenta

/tor-MEN-ta/

storm

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

Visualizing tormenta as a severe weather storm.

tormenta(noun)

fA1

storm

?

severe weather event

Also:

tempest

?

strong, severe storm

,

gale

?

strong wind and rain

📝 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

💡 Grammar Points

Gender Alert

Since this word ends in '-a', it is feminine. Always use 'la' before it: 'la tormenta' (the storm).

❌ Common Pitfalls

Mixing up 'Storm' and 'Rain'

Mistake: "Using 'tormenta' when you just mean 'rain' ('lluvia')."

Correction: 'Tormenta' implies strong wind, thunder, or snow. Use 'lluvia' (rain) for simple precipitation.

⭐ Usage Tips

Describing Severity

To describe a big storm, use 'una tormenta fuerte' or 'una gran tormenta' (a strong/great storm).

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.

Visualizing tormenta as an emotional outburst or sudden conflict.

tormenta(noun)

fB2

outburst

?

of emotion or conflict

Also:

turmoil

?

state of great confusion or trouble

,

crisis

?

period of intense difficulty

📝 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

  • conflicto (conflict)
  • agitación (agitation)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

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

💡 Grammar Points

Figurative Use

This meaning uses 'tormenta' as a strong metaphor, similar to English, to describe chaotic situations or intense feelings.

⭐ Usage Tips

Brainstorming

Use 'tormenta de ideas' when you mean 'brainstorming.' This is a common phrase in professional settings.

✏️ 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

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').