bombón
/bomˈbon/
The English phrase "hot stuff" can be translated into Spanish as bombón.
The term is an informal way to describe a person who is very physically attractive. It is typically used in a flirtatious or complimentary manner.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The term bombón is informal. You may also encounter the informal term Mamacita when referring specifically to an attractive woman.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the terms pibón or pivón are used to mean "hottie" or "hot stuff".
How does it change in a sentence?
Bombón is a masculine noun that can be used for both men and women, although it often functions like an adjective-like noun. To refer to a group of attractive people, use the plural form bombones.
How do you pronounce it?
/bomˈbon/
Did you know?
- The word bombón shares an unexpected root with the English word 'good', tracing back to the Latin 'bonus'.
- While an English speaker might call someone 'hot stuff' to imply heat, calling someone a bombón in Spanish compares them to a piece of confectionery or a chocolate candy.
- While bombón is used for both genders, the term mamacita is specific to women and can shift from a flirtatious compliment to a highly objectifying term depending on the context.
Examples in context
- Ese nuevo auto deportivo es un cañón.That new sports car is hot stuff.
- ¡Oye, mamacita! ¿Cómo estás?Hey, hot mama! How are you?
- ¡Ese chico es un cañón!That boy is hot stuff!
- ¡Qué bombón!What a hottie!
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are at a party.
- AlejandroElena, mira a esa chica de rojo.Elena, look at that girl in red.
- ElenaSí, es un bombón.Yes, she is hot stuff.
- Alejandro¿Crees que me hable?Do you think she'll talk to me?
- Elena¡Suerte con eso, Alejandro!Good luck with that, Alejandro!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry bombón, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bombón, CC BY-SA 4.0.
