Spanish · Nature, Animals & Weather

"Lightning" in Spanish: relámpago

el relámpago

Say it: reh-LAHM-pah-gohmasculine · el relámpagonoun/reˈlampago/

Lightning is el relámpago (reh-LAHM-pah-goh). It is masculine: el relámpago. A flash of lightning is un relámpago. Write the accent on á.

Looking at the sky

Vi un relámpago en el sur.
I saw a lightning flash in the south.
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How to pronounce relámpago

Say it

reh-LAHM-pah-goh

/reˈlampago/

reh-LAHM-pah-goh. Stress LAHM. Accent on á. Say relámpago in four beats.

"Lightning" in Spanish: quick reference

SpanishEnglish
el relámpagothe lightning / lightning flash

Visual flash in a storm.

un relámpagoa flash of lightning

One flash.

vi un relámpagoI saw a lightning flash

Common report.

relámpagoslightning flashes

Plural.

How to use relámpago in real life

  1. 1Looking at the sky

    Vi un relámpago en el sur.

    I saw a lightning flash in the south.

    Un relámpago = one flash.

  2. 2Storm warning

    Hay relámpagos cerca de la playa.

    There is lightning near the beach.

    Relámpagos for several flashes.

  3. 3Night drive

    El relámpago iluminó la carretera.

    The lightning lit up the road.

    El relámpago as subject.

Mistakes English speakers make with relámpago

Incorrect: La relámpago es brillante.

Correct: El relámpago es brillante.

Relámpago is masculine: el relámpago.

Incorrect: Vi un relampago sin tilde.

Correct: Vi un relámpago.

Write the accent: relámpago.

Good to know

Weather apps mark relámpagos near coasts in rainy season. People pause outdoors after a bright relámpago and wait for thunder before crossing open plazas.

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Watching a storm from a balcony

  1. ChatPal

    ¡Mira ese relámpago!

    Look at that lightning!

  2. You

    Wow. El relámpago fue blanco.

    Wow. The lightning was white.

  3. ChatPal

    Mejor entramos ya.

    We'd better go inside now.

  4. You

    Sí. Traigo las sillas.

    Yes. I'll bring the chairs.

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"Lightning" in other languages

FAQ

Common questions about "Lightning" in Spanish

Is relámpago masculine?

Yes: el relámpago, un relámpago.

Does relámpago need an accent?

Yes: relámpago with á.

How do you pronounce relámpago?

reh-LAHM-pah-goh with stress on LAHM.

Flash or strike?

Relámpago is the flash. News may also say rayo for a strike.

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  4. Step 4: Use it in real scenarios

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