How to Say "nuclear" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “nuclear” is “nuclear” — use this when referring to atomic power, physics, or related concepts like nuclear energy or weapons..
nuclear
/noo-klee-AR//nuˈkleaɾ/
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.)
nucleares
noo-kley-AH-rehs/nu.kleˈa.ɾes/
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.)
nuclear
/noo-klee-AR//nuˈkleaɾ/
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.)
Singular vs. Plural Confusion
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