Portuguese · Nature, Animals & Weather
"Lightning" in Portuguese: raio
o raio
Note: flash: o relâmpago
Lightning in Portuguese is o raio. The bright flash is often o relâmpago. Say Caiu um raio perto daqui when a strike is close.
Storm alert
Não fica na praia com raio no céu.Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce raio
Say it
HIGH-oo
/ˈʁaj.u/
HIGH-oo
"Lightning" in Portuguese: quick reference
| Portuguese | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| o raio | lightning / lightning bolt Strike or bolt. | Strike or bolt. |
| caiu um raio | lightning struck Event. | Event. |
| raio e trovão | lightning and thunder Storm pair. | Storm pair. |
| relâmpago | lightning flash Related note—not the headword. | Related note—not the headword. |
How to use raio in real life
- 1Storm alert
Não fica na praia com raio no céu.
Don't stay on the beach with lightning in the sky.
Safety.
- 2News chat
Um raio atingiu a árvore da praça.
Lightning hit the square's tree.
Strike report.
- 3Power cut
Depois do raio a luz caiu.
After the lightning the power went out.
Knock-on effect.
Mistakes English speakers make with raio
Incorrect: O relâmpago (as the only word for this entry).
Correct: O raio.
Raio is the headword; relâmpago is the flash note.
Incorrect: Uma raio.
Correct: Um raio.
Raio is masculine.
Good to know
Summer storms bring dramatic raio over Brazilian cities. Lifeguards clear beaches when lightning is near—take Que raio! literally and move indoors.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Watching a storm from a covered porch
ChatPal
Viu aquele raio? Parecia perto.
See that lightning? It seemed close.
You
Vi. Se cair outro raio, a gente entra.
I did. If another lightning strikes, we go inside.
ChatPal
Já estou fechando as janelas.
I'm already closing the windows.
You
Bom. Melhor prevenir.
Good. Better safe.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"Lightning" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Lightning" in Portuguese
Lightning?
O raio.
Flash word?
O relâmpago—related, not this headword.
Lightning struck?
Caiu um raio / um raio atingiu…
Gender?
Masculine: um raio.
Learn a word, then use it out loud
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- Step 2: Say it out loud
- Step 3: Get feedback
- Step 4: Use it in real scenarios
