viento
/bee-EHN-toh/
wind
Viento means 'wind' or 'moving air.'
📝 In Action
El viento cerró la puerta de golpe.
A1The wind slammed the door shut.
Dicen que mañana hará mucho viento, así que no vayas a la playa.
A2They say it will be very windy tomorrow, so don't go to the beach.
Necesitamos un buen viento para que el barco pueda avanzar.
A2We need a good wind so the boat can move forward.
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'Hacer' for Weather
To say 'it's windy,' Spanish uses the verb 'hacer' (to make/do): 'Hace viento.' You don't say 'Es viento' (It is wind).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Viento and Aire
Mistake: "Using 'aire' when talking about strong movement, e.g., 'el aire es muy fuerte.'"
Correction: Use 'viento' for strong, noticeable atmospheric movement. 'Aire' often refers to the substance we breathe or a light breeze.
⭐ Usage Tips
Adjective Form
If you need the adjective 'windy,' use 'ventoso' (e.g., 'un día ventoso').
Viento can also mean 'impetus' or a powerful 'force' or 'push.'
viento(noun)
impetus
?force or push
speed
?in phrases like 'at full speed'
,hint/inkling
?a piece of news or rumor
📝 In Action
Gracias a la nueva inversión, el proyecto va viento en popa.
B1Thanks to the new investment, the project is smooth sailing (going well).
El corredor iba a todo viento para ganar la carrera.
B2The runner was going at full speed to win the race.
💡 Grammar Points
Figurative Use
This meaning is almost always found inside the specific idioms listed. You rarely use 'viento' alone to mean 'speed' or 'news'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Use for Success
Memorize 'viento en popa'—it's a great way to talk about successful ventures, like businesses or studies.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: viento
Question 1 of 2
Which of these sentences correctly describes the weather?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know whether to use 'viento' (wind) or 'aire' (air)?
Use 'viento' when the air is moving strongly and noticeably (like a gust or a gale). Use 'aire' for the general substance you breathe, or a very gentle, light breeze.
Does 'viento' have a feminine form?
'Viento' is always a masculine noun and does not change gender. The moving air itself is 'el viento.'