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 |
globo is a common word for a balloon. While it is the standard term for a toy balloon, it can also refer to a hot air balloon or a large inflatable globe.
Which one should you use?
While globo is the standard term for a toy balloon, other words are used depending on the region or context.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Colombia, you may hear bomba used to describe a balloon. In Nicaragua, the word chimbomba is used to refer to a balloon.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈɡlobo/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Be careful when using bomba in Colombia or Venezuela, as this word also means 'pump' or 'bomb' depending on the context.
Did you know?
- The word globo is also used as a slang term in some countries to describe a bald head.
- In some Caribbean contexts, a 'bomba' is not just a balloon, but also a specific rhythmic musical style and dance from Puerto Rico.
- The word bomba originates from the Latin bombus, which actually meant 'a humming noise' rather than an explosion.
Examples in context
- Estoy inflando mi globo.I am inflating my balloon.Tatoeba #1684428 by marcelostockle, translation #1665565 by Amastan
- Ellos elevaron un globo.They sent up a balloon.Tatoeba #2590594 by marcelostockle, translation #306337 by CK
- El globo se va a reventar.The balloon will burst.Tatoeba #1386215 by marcelostockle, translation #680454 by Source_VOA
- ¿Puedes comprar un globo para la fiesta?Can you buy a balloon for the party?
- El aerostato es un hermoso medio de transporteThe hot air balloon is a beautiful means of transportation
- ¡Mira esos globitos de colores!Look at those colorful balloons!
- Decidimos decorar con bombas para la celebraciónWe decided to decorate with balloons for the celebration.
- globo azulblue balloon
- Vamos a decorar la sala con globos para la fiesta de cumpleaños.We're going to decorate the living room with balloons for the birthday party.
- Los globitos están flotando en el aire.The little balloons are floating in the air.
- 13 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and Elena are preparing for a birthday party.
- Mateo¿De qué color es ese globo?What color is that balloon?
- ElenaEs un globo rojo, Mateo.It is a red balloon, Mateo.
- MateoNecesitamos comprar más globos.We need to buy more balloons.
- ElenaYo iré a la tienda ahora.I will go to the store now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “balloon” translations and entries globo, bomba, chimbomba, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bomba, globo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
