bombín
/bomˈbin/masculine
The English phrase 'bowler hat' is translated into Spanish as bombín. Wiktionary also lists hongo.
Meaning: hard round black felt hat (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| bombín | /bomˈbin/ | masculine |
| hongo | /ˈonɡo/ | masculine |
A bowler hat is a hard, round, black felt hat. In Spanish, you can refer to this specific style of headwear using the standard term bombín or the slang term hongo.
What does it mean word for word?
The term hongo literally means 'mushroom'.
Which one should you use?
bombín is the standard and most common term for a bowler hat. In contrast, hongo is a colloquial or slang term used to describe the same item.
How does it change in a sentence?
To form the plural of these nouns, use bombines for bombín and hongos for hongo. Both nouns are masculine.
How do you pronounce it?
/bomˈbin/
Did you know?
- The word bombín is actually a diminutive, so the name of this hat literally translates to 'little bomb'.
- The term bombín shares a linguistic root with the Ancient Greek βόμβος, which referred to a humming or buzzing sound.
- While hongo is used for a bowler hat, the word can also refer to a variety of fungal infections in a medical context.
Examples in context
- Me compré un bombín nuevo para la fiesta de este fin de semana.I bought a new bowler hat for this weekend's party.
- Él lleva un bombín negro.He is wearing a black bowler hat.
- El mago sacó un bombín de la caja.The magician took a bowler hat out of the box.
- ¿Dónde dejaste mi bombín?Where did you leave my bowler hat?
Example conversation
Daniel and María are looking at costumes for a party.
- DanielMira este bombín, María.Look at this bowler hat, María.
- MaríaEs muy clásico, Daniel.It is very classic, Daniel.
- Daniel¿Crees que me queda bien?Do you think it looks good on me?
- MaríaSí, te ves muy distinguido.Yes, you look very distinguished.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bowler hat” translations and entries bombín, hongo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bombín, hongo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
