bala
“bala” means “bullet” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
bullet
Also: shot, ball
📝 In Action
Encontraron una bala en el suelo después del ruido.
A2They found a bullet on the ground after the noise.
El chaleco antibalas está diseñado para detener las balas.
B1The bulletproof vest is designed to stop bullets.
flash
Also: whiz, fast mover
📝 In Action
Cuando le dije que la cena estaba lista, salió hecho una bala.
B2When I told him dinner was ready, he left like a shot (very quickly).
Mi hermana es una bala para los exámenes de matemáticas.
C1My sister is a whiz (or a sharp shooter/very fast) at math exams.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: bala
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'bala' figuratively to mean 'fast' or 'skilled'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word likely comes from the Old French 'balle', meaning a small ball or lump, which itself has Germanic roots. Since the projectile was originally a small sphere of stone or metal, the name stuck.
First recorded: 15th century (as related to warfare projectiles)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I use 'bala' to describe a fast person?
You usually say 'Es una bala' (He/She is a bullet) or 'Va como una bala' (He/She goes like a bullet). It’s a compliment about their speed or quick-thinking ability.
Does 'bala' always mean ammunition?
Most of the time, yes. But remember the figurative meaning, especially in Spain and Mexico, where phrases like 'ser una bala' are used informally to praise speed or skill.