globo
/ˈɡlobo/masculine
The English word balloon is translated into Spanish as globo. Wiktionary also lists bomba and chimbomba.
Meaning: child’s toy (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| globo | /ˈɡlobo/ | masculine |
| bomba | /ˈbomba/ | Colombia, Venezuela, feminine |
| chimbomba | /t͡ʃimˈbomba/ | Nicaragua, feminine |
This noun refers to a child's toy.
Which one should you use?
globo is the standard term for a balloon in most Spanish-speaking countries.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Colombia and Venezuela, the word bomba is commonly used. In Nicaragua, the word chimbomba is used for a balloon.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈɡlobo/
Did you know?
- The word bomba, used for balloons in Colombia and Venezuela, is also the standard Spanish word for 'bomb', potentially causing confusion in high-security settings.
- In some contexts, globo refers to a speech bubble in a comic strip, mimicking the rounded shape of the toy.
- In Spanish, the word globo is used to describe the Earth as a 'globe', meaning the same word describes both a tiny party favor and the entire planet.
Examples in context
- Estoy inflando mi globo.I am inflating my balloon.This sentence shows how to use globo when inflating it.Tatoeba #1684428 by marcelostockle, translation #1665565 by Amastan
- Ellos elevaron un globo.They sent up a balloon.This sentence uses globo to describe sending one up.Tatoeba #2590594 by marcelostockle, translation #306337 by CK
- El globo se va a reventar.The balloon will burst.This sentence uses globo to describe a balloon that is about to burst.Tatoeba #1386215 by marcelostockle, translation #680454 by Source_VOA
- 13 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are preparing for a birthday party.
- Javier¿De qué color es este globo?What color is this balloon?
- ElenaEs un globo rojo, Javier.It is a red balloon, Javier.
- JavierMe gusta mucho ese globo.I really like that balloon.
- ElenaPonlo junto a los otros.Put it next to the others.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “balloon” translations and entries globo, bomba, chimbomba, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
