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How to Say "tempest" in Spanish

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tormenta

/tor-MEN-ta//toɾˈmenta/

nounA1general
Use 'tormenta' for a strong, severe storm, especially when it includes thunder and lightning, or as a general term for a significant storm.
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

La tormenta fue tan fuerte que perdimos la electricidad.

The storm was so strong that we lost electricity.

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

tehm-poh-RAHL/tem.poˈɾal/

nounB1general
Use 'temporal' specifically for a period of severe weather, often characterized by strong winds and rain, and typically lasting for a defined duration.
A dramatic scene of a heavy rainstorm with lightning flashing across a dark, turbulent sky over a rough sea.

Examples

El temporal de nieve bloqueó todas las carreteras de la región.

The snowstorm blocked all the roads in the region.

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 vs. Temporal

Learners often confuse 'tormenta' and 'temporal'. While 'tormenta' can be a general term for a storm (especially with thunder/lightning), 'temporal' emphasizes a period of severe weather, like a strong wind or rain event. Think of 'temporal' as a 'weather event' or 'spell of bad weather'.

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