bomba
/ˈbõ.bɐ/feminine
The English phrase 'bombshell' is translated into Portuguese as bomba.
The word bomba is used metaphorically to describe a piece of news or an event that is sudden, shocking or sensational.
Meaning: something that is very surprising, shocking, amazing or sensational (noun)
Which one should you use?
While bomba literally means 'bomb', in a journalistic or conversational context, it refers to a 'bombshell' (shocking news) rather than an explosive device.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable: /ˈbõ.bɐ/.
Did you know?
- The Portuguese word bomba is also used to describe a specific type of cream-filled pastry, similar to a profiterole.
- Depending on the region, bomba can refer to a traditional celebratory dance in the Azores or a specific style of folk music in Brazil.
- The word bomba originates from the Ancient Greek βόμβος, which described a 'humming' or 'buzzing' sound rather than an explosion.
Examples in context
- Você não vai acreditar na bomba que soltaram hoje na televisão!You won't believe the bombshell they dropped on TV today!
- A notícia foi uma bomba.The news was a bombshell.
- Ele soltou uma bomba no jantar.He dropped a bombshell at dinner.
- Essa revelação é uma bomba total.That revelation is a total bombshell.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a sudden piece of celebrity news.
- MarianaVocê viu a bomba de hoje?Did you see today's bombshell?
- LucasAinda não, o que aconteceu?Not yet, what happened?
- MarianaEles terminaram o namoro de surpresa!They broke up unexpectedly!
- LucasNossa, que bomba!Wow, what a bombshell!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bombshell” translations and entries bomba, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bomba, CC BY-SA 4.0.
