How to Say "beam" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “beam” is “rayo” — use 'rayo' for a beam of light, heat, or radiation, often implying a more direct or intense emanation, like a ray of sunshine or a laser beam..
rayo
/rra-yo//ˈraʝo/
Examples
Un rayo de sol se filtraba por la ventana.
A ray of sunshine filtered through the window.
Le hicieron una radiografía de rayos X para ver el hueso roto.
They took an X-ray (ray of X) to see the broken bone.
Technical Usage
When talking about X-rays (radiography), the full term is 'rayos X' (plural), even though we often shorten it to just 'X-ray' in English.
haz
/as//as/
Examples
Un haz de luz solar iluminó la habitación.
A beam of sunlight lit up the room.
Recogió un haz de espárragos en el mercado.
She picked up a bundle of asparagus at the market.
El enemigo agitaba un haz de flechas.
The enemy brandished a sheaf of arrows.
It's a Masculine Noun
Even though 'haz' ends in 'z', it's a masculine word. So, you say 'el haz' (the beam) or 'un haz' (a beam). Its plural form is 'los haces'.
Using the Wrong Gender
Mistake: “La haz de luz es bonita.”
Correction: El haz de luz es bonito. Remember to use 'el' with 'haz' and make any describing words (adjectives) masculine too.
Haz vs. Rayo
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