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relámpago

lightning bolt

noun rreh-LAHM-pah-goh Rare

Usage Note

Relámpago refers specifically to the flash of lightning (the light), not the thunder (trueno) or the full storm. It is often used figuratively for speed — pasó como un relámpago (it passed like a flash). The compound guerra relámpago is the Spanish calque of 'blitzkrieg'. Do not confuse with rayo, which can mean both a lightning bolt (the electrical discharge) and a ray of light; relámpago is purely the flash.

Examples

"Un relámpago iluminó el cielo oscuro."

Natural Translation

A lightning bolt lit up the dark sky.

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