bum
/ˈbum/masculine
The English phrase "boom" translates to the Spanish noun bum.
The term bum refers to an abrupt, low-pitched sound. When describing the sound of an explosion as an interjection, you may also use bum, pum or pun. If you wish to describe the action of speaking with a low pitch, use the verb retumbar.
Meaning: abrupt, low-pitched sound (noun)
Which one should you use?
While bum is the standard noun for a low-pitched sound, there are other ways to express similar ideas depending on the intensity and context. For a sudden, explosive sound or a small, low-intensity impact, the informal term Pum is often used. In more formal contexts, you might use estruendo to refer to a loud, explosive noise or strong crash or explosión if you are specifically referring to an explosion or the sound of a blast.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, Mexico and Colombia, the onomatopoeic word ¡Paf! is used to convey a sudden impact or an explosive sound.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The word bum is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbum/
Did you know?
- The word bum is a loanword borrowed directly from the English 'boom'.
- The term bum can feel quite informal or even childish depending on the country, whereas estruendo provides a much more dramatic and cinematic quality to a description.
- The verb retumbar describes a sound that doesn't just happen, but echoes or vibrates through a space, like thunder in a valley.
Examples in context
- El estallido del cohete provocó un gran estruendo.The rocket's explosion caused a loud boom.
- La explosión sobresaltó a todos.The boom startled everyone.
- ¡Pum! Se le cayó el plato al suelo.Boom! The plate fell on the floor.
- ¡Chimpún! El globo explotó.Boom! The balloon exploded.
- Se escuchó un bum en la cocina.A boom was heard in the kitchen.
Example conversation
Sofía and Alejandro are sitting in their living room when they hear a sudden noise.
- Sofía¿Escuchaste ese bum?Did you hear that boom?
- AlejandroSí, fue un bum muy seco.Yes, it was a very dry boom.
- SofíaParece que algo cayó en la calle.It seems like something fell in the street.
- AlejandroVoy a mirar por la ventana.I am going to look out the window.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “boom” translations and entries bum, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bum, CC BY-SA 4.0.
