bomba
/ˈbomba/feminine
The English word 'bomb' translates to Spanish as bomba. If unsure, use bomba. Wiktionary also lists explosivo.
Meaning: device filled with explosives (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| bomba | /ˈbomba/ | feminine |
| explosivo | /eɡsploˈsibo/ | masculine |
The word bomba is a feminine noun that can mean an explosive device. However, in many contexts, it refers to a mechanical pump, such as a water pump.
Which one should you use?
While bomba is the noun used for the device itself, if you want to describe the action of attacking a location with bombs, you should use the verb bombardear.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of bomba is bombas.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbomba/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use bombear to mean 'to bomb' (attack), but bombear actually means 'to pump' (like a liquid or air).
Did you know?
- In several Spanish-speaking countries, una bomba can refer to a traditional large confectionery or a cream-filled doughnut.
- The word bomba is used in Spanish to describe a very spicy pepper or a specific variety of short-grain rice used in paella.
- In Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, bomba is a vibrant style of traditional music and dance where the performer improvises movements based on the drummer's beats.
Examples in context
- Yo tengo una bomba.I have a bomb.This sentence is useful for showing possession of a bomba.Tatoeba #4593925 by Francisco_M, translation #2358662 by CK
- No hallamos la bomba.We didn't find the bomb.This sentence is useful for expressing the failure to find a bomba.Tatoeba #13462464 by Seael, translation #9999495 by CK
- Oímos a la bomba estallar.We heard the bomb go off.This sentence is useful for describing hearing a bomba explode.Tatoeba #1898539 by marcelostockle, translation #263191 by CK
- Se encontró una bomba en el edificio.A bomb was found in the building.
- Es necesario reportar cualquier amenaza de bomba de inmediato.It is necessary to report any bomb threat immediately.
- El jefe nos soltó una bomba: mañana habrá despidos masivos.The boss dropped a bomb on us: there will be massive layoffs tomorrow.
- 56 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A police officer and a detective are at a crime scene.
- MaríaDaniel, ¿has visto la bomba?Daniel, have you seen the bomb?
- DanielSí, María, está debajo del coche.Yes, María, it is under the car.
- MaríaDebemos llamar al equipo de desactivación.We must call the defusal team.
- DanielTienes razón, es muy peligroso.You are right, it is very dangerous.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bomb” translations and entries bomba, explosivo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
