How to Say "Stray Bullet" in Spanish

bala perdida

/ˌbala peɾˈdida/feminine

The English phrase "stray bullet" is translated into Spanish as bala perdida.

The term refers to a bullet that hits an unintended target.

Meaning: a bullet that hits an unintended target (noun)

What does it mean word for word?

The phrase is composed of bala (bullet) and perdida (lost), literally translating to "lost bullet".

In some regions of Latin America, you may hear bala loca or bala vagabunda instead of bala perdida.

The plural form is balas perdidas, where both the noun and the adjective take the plural suffix.

/ˌbala peɾˈdida/

In Spanish, bala perdida is often used metaphorically to describe a person who is drifting through life without a clear goal or purpose.
The word bala shares an ancestor with the English word 'ball', as both stem from the concept of a round object or projectile.
Spanish distinguishes between the bullet as a projectile bala and the cartridge or round cartucho, though in English 'bullet' is often used for both.

El niño fue alcanzado por una bala perdida
The child was hit by a stray bullet
El civil resultó herido por un proyectil extraviado
The civilian was injured by a stray bullet
Ten cuidado, podrías recibir un balazo perdido
Be careful, you might catch a stray bullet
Fue solo una bala perdida.
It was just a stray bullet.
La bala perdida rompió la ventana.
The stray bullet broke the window.

Sofía and Mateo are discussing a local news report.

Sofía

¿Viste las noticias sobre el accidente?
Did you see the news about the accident?
Mateo

Sí, alguien fue herido por una bala perdida.
Yes, someone was injured by a stray bullet.
Sofía

Es terrible que pase eso aquí.
It is terrible that that happens here.
Mateo

Tienes razón, Sofía, es muy peligroso.
You are right, Sofía, it is very dangerous.

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