bala
/BAH-lah/
bullet
The most common meaning of bala is a bullet or cartridge.
bala(noun)
bullet
?ammunition fired from a gun
shot
?a single projectile
,ball
?historical, like a cannonball
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Reminder
Even though it ends in '-a', 'bala' is a feminine noun, so you use 'la' or 'una' before it.
Bala can also be used informally to describe speed, like a flash or something moving incredibly fast.
bala(noun)
flash
?speed or something very fast
whiz
?a very fast or effective person (usually preceded by 'una')
,fast mover
?someone moving quickly
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Use with 'Ser' or 'Ir'
We often use 'bala' with the verbs 'ser' (to be) or 'ir' (to go) to emphasize speed or skill. Think of 'bala' here as the epitome of speed.
⭐ Usage Tips
Informal Context Only
Use this figurative meaning only in casual conversation with friends or family, not in formal writing or presentations.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: bala
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'bala' figuratively to mean 'fast' or 'skilled'?
📚 More Resources
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.