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"Vendaval" is a noun which is often translated as "gale", and "tormenta" is a noun which is often translated as "storm". Learn more about the difference between "vendaval" and "tormenta" 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 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.
