balas
/ˈbalas/
The Spanish word for bullets is balas.
The word balas refers to small metal projectiles fired from a gun.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of this word is bala, which means bullet.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbalas/
Did you know?
- In certain Caribbean dialects, bala can be used in the phrase dar bala, which doesn't involve weapons but means to lecture someone sternly or to scold them intensely.
- In Spanish, the word bala is a cognate of the English word 'ball', reflecting the time when projectiles were simply spherical lead balls.
- In certain slang contexts in Spain and parts of Latin America, calling a person a bala can be a compliment to their wit. It implies the person is 'sharp' or responds to situations with the speed of a projectile.
Examples in context
- Ya no nos quedan balas.We're out of bullets.This sentence shows how to say one is out of balas.Tatoeba #4557070 by swyter, translation #2547482 by CK
- Tom usó todas sus balas.Tom used up all his bullets.This sentence describes using up all of one's balas.Tatoeba #1278817 by marcelostockle, translation #1141059 by CK
- Marchamos bajo una lluvia de balas.We marched under a hail of bullets.This sentence uses the phrase lluvia de balas to describe a hail of balas.Tatoeba #6092775 by albrusgher, translation #276761 by AlanF_US
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are talking about a movie they just watched.
- JavierEsa escena con las balas fue muy realista.That scene with the bullets was very realistic.
- LucíaSí, pero el sonido era demasiado fuerte.Yes, but the sound was too loud.
- Javier¿Viste cuántas balas disparó el protagonista?Did you see how many bullets the protagonist fired?
- LucíaFue increíble, Lucía no podía creerlo.It was incredible, Lucía couldn't believe it.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry balas, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
