bollo
/ˈboʝo/masculine
The Spanish word for bun is bollo. Wiktionary also lists bolillo and bolla.
Meaning: a small bread roll, often sweetened or spiced (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| bollo | /ˈboʝo/ | masculine |
| bolillo | /boˈliʝo/ | masculine |
| bolla | /boʝa/ (from spelling rules) | feminine |
| gallofa | /ɡaʝofa/ (from spelling rules) | feminine |
| pan mollete | /pan moʝete/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
The terms provided refer to different types of small bread rolls, which may be either sweetened, spiced or crusty.
Which one should you use?
bollo is a general term used for sweet, soft or enriched buns. In contrast, bolillo refers to a specific type of crusty bread roll.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain regions of Spain, the term bizcocho can also be used to refer to a sweet bun or sponge cake.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of bollo is bollos.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈboʝo/
Did you know?
- The word bollo shares its Latin ancestor, bulla, with the English word 'bubble', as both describe things that are swollen or rounded.
- Depending on the region, bollo can refer to anything from a sweet pastry to a savory bread or even a type of traditional fish stew in Asturias.
- In some Spanish dialects, bollo is used as a slang term for a person's cheek or a soft, plump body part.
Examples in context
- Ayer comí una hamburguesa con un panecillo deliciosoYesterday, I had a burger with a delicious bun
- Me encanta el bollo que usan en esta panaderíaI love the bun they use in this bakery
- Este bizcocho está delicioso, ¿me das la receta?This bun/cake is delicious, can I have the recipe?
- Esta rosca casera es perfecta para hacer sándwichesThis homemade bun is perfect for making sandwiches
- Quiero un bollo dulce.I want a sweet bun.
- El bollo está muy caliente.The bun is very hot.
- Compré un bollo con canela.I bought a cinnamon bun.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are at a local bakery in the morning.
- Alejandro¿Quieres un bollo, Elena?Do you want a bun, Elena?
- ElenaSí, un bollo de azúcar, por favor.Yes, a sugar bun, please.
- AlejandroAquí tienes tu bollo caliente.Here is your hot bun.
- ElenaMuchas gracias, Alejandro.Thank you very much, Alejandro.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bun” translations and entries bollo, bolillo, gallofa, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bolillo, bollo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
