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balón

bah-LOHN/baˈlon/

ball

Also: soccer ball, basketball
NounmA1
Mexico
A black and white hexagonal patterned soccer ball resting on a bright green field.

📝 In Action

El delantero chutó el balón y marcó un gol.

A2

The striker kicked the ball and scored a goal.

¿Dónde está el balón de baloncesto para el partido?

A1

Where is the basketball for the game?

Necesitamos inflar el balón antes de jugar.

B1

We need to inflate the ball before playing.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • esférico (sphere (used poetically for ball))

Common Collocations

  • patear el balón – to kick the ball
  • botar el balón – to bounce/dribble the ball

bale

Also: package
NounmC1formal
A large, rectangular, compressed bale of fluffy white cotton, secured with thick metal straps.

📝 In Action

La fábrica exportó varios balones de algodón.

C1

The factory exported several bales of cotton.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • fardo (bale/bundle)

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "balón" in Spanish:

soccer ball→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: balón

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence correctly uses 'balón'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
balonazo(a hard kick or hit with a ball) — Noun
baloncesto(basketball (the sport)) — Noun
balonmano(handball (the sport)) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
razóncanción
📚 Etymology▼

Comes from the French word 'ballon,' which itself is related to the Italian 'pallone,' a larger form of the word for 'ball' or 'sphere.'

First recorded: 18th century (in its modern Spanish meaning)

Cognates (Related words)

French: ballonItalian: pallone

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'balón' and 'pelota'?

'Balón' is typically a large, inflated ball used in major sports like soccer, basketball, or volleyball. 'Pelota' is the general word for 'ball,' and is used for smaller, harder balls (tennis, baseball, golf) or toy balls.

Is 'balón' masculine or feminine?

'Balón' is always masculine. You must use 'el balón' (the ball) or 'un balón' (a ball).