ampolla
/amˈpoʝa/feminine
The English word "blister" is translated into Spanish as ampolla. Wiktionary also lists ámpula.
Meaning: bubble on the skin (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| ampolla | /amˈpoʝa/ | feminine |
| ámpula | /ˈampula/ | Mexico, feminine |
A blister refers to a bubble on the skin. You can also use the related verb ampollar to describe the action of causing blisters to form.
Which one should you use?
While ampolla is the standard term, you may encounter vesícula or flictena in specific professional settings. For a more casual tone when referring to small blisters, you can use the diminutive ampollita.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the word ámpula is used specifically to mean blister.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of ampolla is ampollas.
How do you pronounce it?
/amˈpoʝa/
Did you know?
- The word ampolla shares an ancestor with the English word 'amphora', a large ancient clay jar used for transporting liquids. This connection comes from the Latin word for a small vessel or flask.
- If you go to a pharmacy in a Spanish-speaking country, an ampolla refers to a sealed glass vial of medication rather than a skin injury.
- The term ampolla is used in Spanish to describe the bubble that forms in a boiling liquid or a chemical reaction.
Examples in context
- Mi quemadura de sol ha comenzado a llenarse de ampollas.My sunburn has started to blister.This sentence is useful for showing how the verb form of ampolla is used to describe a sunburn starting to blister.Tatoeba #679769 by Dejo, translation #281134 by sundown
- Tengo una ampolla en el talón.I have a blister on my heel.
- Esa ampolla parece que duele mucho.That blister looks like it hurts a lot.
Example conversation
Alejandro notices a blister on María's foot after a walk.
- MaríaMe duele mucho el pie.My foot hurts a lot.
- AlejandroTienes una ampolla muy grande, María.You have a very large blister, María.
- MaríaSí, me salió después de caminar.Yes, it appeared after walking.
- AlejandroDeberías ponerte una venda.You should put a bandage on it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “blister” translations and entries ampolla, ámpula, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ampolla, ámpula, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
