bombilla
/bomˈbiʝa/
The Spanish word for a straw is bombilla.
The word refers to a thin tube used for sucking a liquid out of a glass.
Which one should you use?
Note that bombilla is polysemous. Depending on the context, it can mean either a drinking straw or a light bulb.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Different regions use different terms for a straw: in Mexico, popote is the most common way to refer to one. In Colombia, Venezuela and parts of Central America, pitillo is commonly used. In the Southern Cone region, including Argentina, Uruguay and Chile, sorbete is frequently used. pitillo is also a colloquial term for a straw in Colombia.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of bombilla is bombillas.
How do you pronounce it?
/bomˈbiʝa/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, using a bombilla to drink mate is a social ritual where the straw must never be stirred or moved within the gourd.
- The word popote, used in Mexico, is derived from the Nahuatl word popotl, meaning 'reed' or 'hollow stem'.
- The word bombilla shares its root with the word for a pump, bomba, because both relate to the idea of suction and pressure.
Examples in context
- Por favor, ¿me puede dar una pajilla para mi bebida?Please, can you give me a straw for my drink?
Example conversation
María and Javier are at a cafe ordering drinks.
- MaríaJavier, ¿quieres una bombilla para tu jugo?Javier, do you want a straw for your juice?
- JavierSí, por favor, María.Yes, please, María.
- MaríaTengo una bombilla de papel aquí.I have a paper straw here.
- JavierPerfecto, muchas gracias.Perfect, thank you very much.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry bombilla, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bombilla, CC BY-SA 4.0.
