balde
“balde” means “bucket” in Spanish (container for liquids).
bucket, pail
Also: in vain, for free
📝 In Action
El niño lleva un balde azul para recoger arena en la playa.
A1The boy is carrying a blue bucket to collect sand at the beach.
Todo mi esfuerzo fue en balde; no logré convencerlo.
B1All my effort was in vain; I didn't manage to convince him.
En esta tienda, si compras dos camisas, la tercera te sale de balde.
B2In this store, if you buy two shirts, the third one is for free.
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: balde
Question 1 of 3
If you worked all day but achieved nothing, your work was...
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Arabic word 'baldi', referring to a bucket or a container used to carry water.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'gratis' and 'de balde'?
They mean the same thing (free), but 'gratis' is much more common everywhere. 'De balde' is slightly more informal or regional depending on where you are.
Does 'balde' always mean bucket?
Mostly, yes! But remember that in the phrase 'en balde', it means 'useless' or 'for nothing'. Context is key.
Is it 'el balde' or 'la balde'?
It is always masculine: 'el balde'.