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carámbano means icicle — a common term in Beautiful Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: January 22, 2026

✨ Beautiful Spanish

carámbano

noun • /[ka-RAM-ba-no]/

icicle

Example:

Los carámbanos colgaban del tejado.

Icicles hung from the roof.

🧠 What does carámbano mean?

Un carámbano is a tapering, hanging piece of ice formed by the freezing of dripping water. It is the direct Spanish equivalent of the English word 'icicle'. These formations are typically seen in cold climates, hanging from rooftops, tree branches, and other exposed edges where water can drip and freeze incrementally.

📚 Extra examples

  • Los largos carámbanos que colgaban del tejado brillaban con el sol de la mañana.
    The long icicles hanging from the roof shone in the morning sun.
  • Ten cuidado al caminar bajo el alero; los carámbanos podrían desprenderse y caer.
    Be careful walking under the eaves; the icicles could break off and fall.
  • El niño rompió un carámbano de la barandilla y fingió que era una espada de hielo.
    The child broke an icicle off the railing and pretended it was an ice sword.
  • La fuente del parque estaba congelada y cubierta de pequeños carámbanos.
    The park fountain was frozen and covered in small icicles.

💡 Did You Know?

The word 'carámbano' is highly evocative and often appears in Spanish literature to create vivid winter scenery. Its sharp, multi-syllable sound contributes to a crisp and cold atmosphere in descriptive writing, making it a favorite for poets and novelists describing snowy landscapes.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "carámbano"

Synonyms: chuzo de hielo, vela de hielo, pinganello
Opposites: deshielo, gota de agua, vapor

🔍 See more beautiful spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'icicle' in Spanish?
The most common and direct translation for 'icicle' in Spanish is 'carámbano'.
How do you pronounce 'carámbano' in Spanish?
'Carámbano' is pronounced kah-RAHM-bah-noh. The stress falls on the second syllable, 'rám', as indicated by the accent mark.
How do you use 'carámbano' in a sentence?
'Carámbano' is a masculine noun. For example: 'Vimos un carámbano largo y puntiagudo en la ventana' (We saw a long, pointed icicle on the window).
What is the English translation of 'carámbano'?
The English translation of 'carámbano' is 'icicle'.
Does 'carámbano' change for gender or number?
'Carámbano' is a masculine noun, so its gender does not change. To make it plural, add an 's': 'los carámbanos' (the icicles).
Is 'carámbano' common in everyday Spanish?
'Carámbano' is a standard and well-understood word, but its usage is naturally limited to regions and seasons where snow and freezing temperatures occur. In warmer Spanish-speaking areas, it would be understood but rarely used.
Does 'carámbano' have slang or double meanings?
'Carámbano' does not have common slang or secondary meanings. It is used almost exclusively in its literal sense to refer to an icicle.
Is 'carámbano' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The word 'carámbano' is standard across both Spain and Latin America where icy conditions exist. There are no significant regional variations in its meaning or usage.

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