Inklingo

How to Say "lightning" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “lightning” is “rayos” — use 'rayos' to refer to the electrical discharge of lightning, often implying multiple flashes or the general storm activity.

English → Spanish

rayos

RY-ohsˈra.ʝos

nounA2weather phenomenon
Use 'rayos' to refer to the electrical discharge of lightning, often implying multiple flashes or the general storm activity.
Straight, visible beams of bright yellow sunlight radiating outwards from a central point.

Examples

Los rayos iluminaron el cielo oscuro.

The lightning lit up the dark sky.

Los primeros rayos del sol iluminaron la montaña.

The first rays of sun illuminated the mountain.

Hubo una tormenta y vimos tres rayos caer en el campo.

There was a storm, and we saw three lightning strikes fall in the field.

Plural Noun Rule

Even though 'rayo' (singular) means a single ray or strike, 'rayos' (plural) is used more generally for light, like 'sun rays.'

relámpago

nounA2the flash of light in the sky
Use 'relámpago' for a single, distinct flash of light during a thunderstorm.

Examples

Un relámpago brillante iluminó la noche.

A bright flash of lightning lit up the night.

relámpago

adjectiveB1describing speed
Use 'relámpago' as an adjective to describe something extremely fast, like a quick visit or a rapid action.

Examples

El equipo marcó un gol relámpago en el primer minuto.

The team scored a lightning goal in the first minute.

Noun vs. Adjective 'Relámpago'

The most common confusion is using 'relámpago' as a noun for the weather event when 'rayos' might be more appropriate for the general phenomenon. Remember, 'relámpago' specifically refers to the flash, and can also be used as an adjective for speed.

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