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"Tempestad" is a noun which is often translated as "storm", and "tormenta" is a noun which is also often translated as "storm". Learn more about the difference between "tempestad" and "tormenta" below.
la tempestad(
tehm
-
pehs
-
tahd
)A feminine noun is almost always used with feminine articles and adjectives (e.g., la mujer bonita, la luna llena).
1. (weather)
a. storm
El barco estuvo a punto de hundirse en medio de la tempestad.The ship was about to sink in the middle of the storm.
Las calles del centro están inundadas, y la tempestad todavía no ha cesado.The streets downtown are flooded, and the storm still hasn't let up.
b. tempest (literary)
A word or phrase restricted in usage to literature or established writing (e.g., sex, once upon a time).
La tempestad tomó por sorpresa al capitán.The tempest took the captain by surprise.
2. (agitation)
a. storm
El resultado de las elecciones levantó una tempestad de protestas.The result of the election raised a storm of protest.
la tormenta(
tohr
-
mehn
-
tah
)A feminine noun is almost always used with feminine articles and adjectives (e.g., la mujer bonita, la luna llena).
1. (weather)
a. storm
El cielo se volvió gris a medida que se acercaba la tormenta.The sky turned grey as the storm approached.
b. thunderstorm (with thunder and lightning)
No pude dormir anoche con esa tormenta. ¡Qué miedo!I couldn't sleep last night with that thunderstorm. It was so scary!
2. (commotion)
a. storm
La subida de impuestos desató una tormenta de críticas contra el gobierno.The raise in taxes unleashed a storm of criticism against the government.
