pupa
/ˈpupa/
The English phrase "boo boo" is translated into Spanish as pupa.
pupa is used to refer to a minor injury, such as a small cut or scrape. It is a child's word.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈpupa/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking households, a common way to 'fix' a pupa is to perform a ritual called soplar la pupa, where an adult blows gently on the injury to make the pain vanish.
- The word pupa is part of a family of words that includes 'pupil' (as in a student) and 'puppet', all stemming from the idea of a small person or figure.
- Because 'pupa' is a highly informal, childish term, using it in a medical setting or with an adult could actually be seen as patronizing or funny.
Examples in context
- Tengo una pupa en la rodilla.I have a boo boo on my knee.
- ¿Te duele esa pupa?Does that boo boo hurt?
- Puse una tirita en tu pupa.I put a band-aid on your boo boo.
Example conversation
A mother comforts her son after he trips.
- Daniel¡Mamá, me hice una pupa!Mom, I got a boo boo!
- MaríaVen aquí, Daniel. Déjame ver.Come here, Daniel. Let me see.
- DanielMe duele mucho la pupa.My boo boo hurts a lot.
- MaríaUn besito y se irá el dolor.One little kiss and the pain will go away.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry pupa, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pupa, CC BY-SA 4.0.
