humo
/ˈumo/masculine
The English word "smoke" is translated into Spanish as humo. If unsure, use humo. Wiktionary also lists jumo.
Meaning: visible particles and vapour given off by burning material (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| humo | /ˈumo/ | masculine |
| jumo | /ˈxumo/ | Dominican Republic, masculine |
humo refers to the visible particles and vapour given off by burning material. To describe the action of giving off smoke, you can use the verbs humear, jumear or vafear.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Dominican Republic, the masculine form jumo is used. In Spain, you may hear the colloquial phrase echarse un pitillo. In Mexico, it is common to hear fumar un cigarro.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈumo/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the word humo is used in the idiomatic expression vender humo, which literally means 'to sell smoke'. It describes someone who makes grand promises but delivers nothing of substance.
- The Latin root fūmus evolved into humo in Spanish through a linguistic shift where the initial 'f' sound transitioned to a silent 'h'.
Examples in context
- Vi algo de humo.I saw some smoke.This sentence is useful for stating that you saw some humo.Tatoeba #11737232 by Seael, translation #2406087 by CK
- ¿De dónde viene el humo?Where's that smoke coming from?This sentence is useful for asking where the humo is coming from.Tatoeba #3037370 by marcelostockle, translation #3022184 by sharptoothed
- Salía humo de la chimenea.Smoke was rising from the chimney.This sentence is useful for describing humo rising from a chimney.Tatoeba #1642704 by hayastan, translation #25879 by CK
- Él fuma un cigarro después de cenar.He smokes a cigarette after dinner.
- El doctor le advirtió sobre los riesgos de consumir tabaco.The doctor warned him about the risks of smoking tobacco.
- Vamos al patio y nos echamos un cigarro.Let's go to the backyard and have a smoke.
- Voy a prender un pitillo antes de continuar.I'm going to light up a cigarette before we continue.
- 40 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and Lucía are in the kitchen when something starts to burn.
- Mateo¡Lucía, hay mucho humo en la cocina!Lucía, there is a lot of smoke in the kitchen!
- Lucía¡Ay no! Olvidé la comida en el horno.Oh no! I forgot the food in the oven.
- MateoAbre la ventana para que salga el humo.Open the window so the smoke goes out.
- LucíaTienes razón, Mateo. Ya lo estoy abriendo.You are right, Mateo. I am opening it now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “smoke” translations and entries humo, jumo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries humo, jumo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
