bombo
/ˈbombo/
The English phrase "kick drum" is translated into Spanish as bombo.
In the context of a modern drum kit, bombo is the standard term for the kick drum that is played with a foot pedal. More generally, the word refers to a large, deep-toned drum often used in percussion ensembles or parades.
What does it mean word for word?
The word bombo literally refers to a bass drum or a large drum.
Is it said differently in some regions?
bombo is common in most Spanish-speaking countries.
How does it change in a sentence?
When referring to the specific instrument in a sentence, use the masculine article el before bombo to form el bombo.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbombo/
Did you know?
- The phrase dar bombo means to hype something up or create a lot of publicity around a topic.
- Beyond the drum kit, the bombo legüero is a traditional folk drum from Argentina whose name suggests its sound can be heard for leagues.
- The word bombo shares its roots with the Latin word 'bombus', which describes a humming or booming noise rather than a specific physical object.
Examples in context
- El bombo es el corazón de la batería.The kick drum is the heart of the drum kit.
- El bombo suena muy fuerte.The kick drum sounds very loud.
- Necesito cambiar el parche del bombo.I need to change the kick drum head.
- ¿Puedes ajustar el pedal del bombo?Can you adjust the kick drum pedal?
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are setting up equipment in a music rehearsal studio.
- JavierLucía, ¿puedes ayudarme con el bombo?Lucía, can you help me with the kick drum?
- LucíaSí, Javier. ¿Es muy pesado?Yes, Javier. Is it very heavy?
- JavierNo, solo hay que moverlo un poco.No, we just have to move it a little.
- LucíaVale, ya lo tengo listo.Okay, I have it ready now.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry bombo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bombo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
