nube de tormenta
Lemma Details
Translation: storm cloud; thundercloud
Part of Speech: noun phrase
Etymology: Compound term from 'nube' (cloud) and 'tormenta' (storm). 'Nube' derives from Latin 'nubes' (cloud), while 'tormenta' comes from Latin 'tormenta' (plural of 'tormentum', meaning torture or storm). The connection between storms and torture in Latin reflects the violent, punishing nature of storms. English 'cloud' has Germanic origins, while 'storm' shares the same Indo-European root as the Spanish 'tormenta'.
Commonality: 60%
Guessability: 80%
Register: neutral
Mnemonics
- Think of a 'new' (nube) storm forming in the sky
- Imagine a 'torment' (tormenta) brewing in the clouds
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking agricultural communities, storm clouds are closely watched as they can signal both needed rain and potential danger. In some Latin American folklore, certain types of storm clouds are associated with specific weather predictions or superstitions.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'nube de tormenta' specifically refers to storm clouds that may produce thunder, lightning, and heavy precipitation, 'nube de lluvia' refers more generally to rain clouds that may not necessarily be part of a storm system.
This word:
Esa nube de tormenta trae relámpagos y truenos.
That storm cloud brings lightning and thunder.
Confused word:
Las nubes de lluvia trajeron la precipitación que necesitábamos.
The rain clouds brought the precipitation we needed.
Notes: Storm clouds (nubes de tormenta) are typically darker and more threatening in appearance than regular rain clouds (nubes de lluvia).
Mnemonic: Tormenta has 'torment' in it - more severe than simple rain