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"Vendaval" is a noun which is often translated as "gale", and "tempestad" is a noun which is often translated as "storm". Learn more about the difference between "vendaval" and "tempestad" below.
el vendaval(
behn
-
dah
-
bahl
)A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
1. (weather)
b. strong wind
El vendaval provocó que toda la ropa del tendedero saliera volando.The strong wind sent all the clothes on the line flying.
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.
