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How to Say "nuclear" in Spanish

English → Spanish

nuclear

noo-klee-ARnuˈkleaɾ

adjectiveB2general
Use 'nuclear' when referring to atomic power, nuclear physics, or related concepts like nuclear reactors and weapons.
A simple, colorful illustration of an atomic structure, featuring three electrons orbiting a central nucleus.

Examples

El reactor nuclear genera energía sin emitir carbono.

The nuclear reactor generates energy without emitting carbon.

El acuerdo limitó el desarrollo de armas nucleares.

The agreement limited the development of nuclear weapons.

La familia nuclear tradicional incluye solo a los padres y a sus hijos inmediatos.

The traditional nuclear family only includes the parents and their immediate children.

Este es el componente nuclear de nuestro plan de negocios.

This is the core component of our business plan.

Always the same

As an adjective, 'nuclear' does not change form based on whether the thing it describes is masculine (el) or feminine (la). It only changes to 'nucleares' when referring to plural things.

Don't use with extended family

Mistake: “Mi familia nuclear son mis tíos, abuelos y primos.”

Correction: Mi familia nuclear son solo mis padres y hermanos. (The word 'nuclear' focuses only on the immediate, central unit.)

nuclear

noo-klee-ARnuˈkleaɾ

adjectiveB1general
Use 'nuclear' to describe the traditional family unit, consisting of parents and their immediate children.
A simple, colorful illustration of an atomic structure, featuring three electrons orbiting a central nucleus.

Examples

La familia nuclear tradicional incluye solo a los padres y a sus hijos inmediatos.

The traditional nuclear family only includes the parents and their immediate children.

El reactor nuclear genera energía sin emitir carbono.

The nuclear reactor generates energy without emitting carbon.

El acuerdo limitó el desarrollo de armas nucleares.

The agreement limited the development of nuclear weapons.

Este es el componente nuclear de nuestro plan de negocios.

This is the core component of our business plan.

Always the same

As an adjective, 'nuclear' does not change form based on whether the thing it describes is masculine (el) or feminine (la). It only changes to 'nucleares' when referring to plural things.

Don't use with extended family

Mistake: “Mi familia nuclear son mis tíos, abuelos y primos.”

Correction: Mi familia nuclear son solo mis padres y hermanos. (The word 'nuclear' focuses only on the immediate, central unit.)

nucleares

noo-kley-AH-rehsnu.kleˈa.ɾes

adjectiveB1general
Use the plural form 'nucleares' when referring to multiple nuclear powers, weapons, or related entities in the plural.
A simple, colorful storybook illustration of a glowing atom. The central nucleus is large and bright yellow, surrounded by three distinct orbital paths with small, colorful electron spheres moving around it, symbolizing nuclear energy.

Examples

Las potencias nucleares firmaron un tratado de paz.

The nuclear powers signed a peace treaty.

Muchas familias nucleares tienen dos hijos y una mascota.

Many nuclear families have two children and a pet.

Los residuos nucleares deben ser almacenados con mucho cuidado.

Nuclear waste must be stored very carefully.

Adjective Agreement

Since 'nucleares' ends in -es, it is the plural form. It always stays the same whether the noun it describes is masculine (proyectos nucleares) or feminine (plantas nucleares).

Using the Singular Form

Mistake: “Hablamos de las plantas nuclear.”

Correction: Hablamos de las plantas nucleares. (The adjective must be plural when the noun is plural.)

atómico

adjectiveB1scientific
Use 'atómico' when discussing atomic weight, atomic structure, or the fundamental nature of atoms, often in a scientific context.

Examples

El científico explicó el peso atómico de los elementos.

The scientist explained the atomic weight of the elements.

Distinguishing 'Nuclear' from 'Atómico'

While 'nuclear' and 'atómico' can sometimes overlap, remember that 'nuclear' typically refers to power, weapons, or physics, whereas 'atómico' is more about the atom itself or its weight. Don't confuse the family sense of 'nuclear' with 'atómico'.

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