vs
QUICK ANSWER
"Oleada" is a form of "oleada", a noun which is often translated as "wave". "Oleaje" is a noun which is often translated as "swell". Learn more about the difference between "oleada" and "oleaje" below.
la oleada(
oh
-
leh
-
ah
-
dah
)A feminine noun is almost always used with feminine articles and adjectives (e.g., la mujer bonita, la luna llena).
a. flood
La guerra generó una oleada de refugiados que huían de su país.The war generated a flood of refugees fleeing their country.
el oleaje(
oh
-
leh
-
ah
-
heh
)A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
1. (surf)
a. swell
El fuerte oleaje amenazaba con volcar el bote.The heavy swell threatened to capsize the boat.
b. surge
El oleaje debido a la tormenta inundó las calles cercanas al puerto.The surge due to the storm flooded the streets around the port.
c. waves
Hoy es mejor no bañarse en el mar. Hay un oleaje muy fuerte.It's better not to swim in the sea today. The waves are very strong.
