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How to Say "gale" in Spanish

English → Spanish

temporal

tehm-poh-RAHL/tem.poˈɾal/

nounB1
Use 'temporal' when you want to emphasize a strong wind, especially one that is part of a broader weather system that might include rain or other elements, but the wind is the primary focus.
A dramatic scene of a heavy rainstorm with lightning flashing across a dark, turbulent sky over a rough sea.

Examples

El temporal de lluvia y viento duró toda la noche.

The storm of rain and wind lasted all night.

Tuvimos que cancelar el vuelo por un temporal inesperado.

We had to cancel the flight due to an unexpected tempest.

Gender Check

Even though it ends in '-al', this noun is masculine: 'el temporal'.

tormenta

/tor-MEN-ta//toɾˈmenta/

nounA1
Choose 'tormenta' when the 'gale' is specifically associated with a thunderstorm, meaning strong winds accompanied by lightning, thunder, and heavy rain.
A dramatic illustration of a severe weather storm with dark, heavy rain clouds, heavy falling rain, and a bright lightning bolt striking the landscape.

Examples

Tuvimos que cancelar el partido por la tormenta eléctrica.

We had to cancel the game because of the thunderstorm.

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

The snowstorm covered the city in just one hour.

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

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

Gender Alert

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

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.

Temporal vs. Tormenta

Learners often use 'tormenta' for any strong wind, but it specifically implies thunder and lightning. Use 'temporal' for strong winds that might include rain but aren't necessarily thunderstorms, or when the wind itself is the main event.

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