bollo
“bollo” means “bun” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
bun
Also: sweet roll, muffin
📝 In Action
Me gusta desayunar un bollo con chocolate.
A1I like to have a chocolate bun for breakfast.
El panadero sacó los bollos calientes del horno.
A2The baker took the hot rolls out of the oven.
Ese bollo está relleno de crema pastelera.
B1That bun is filled with pastry cream.
dent
Also: bump
📝 In Action
Le hice un bollo al coche al aparcar.
B1I dented the car while parking.
Esta lata de conservas tiene un bollo.
B2This tin can has a dent.
mess
Also: fuss, scuffle
📝 In Action
¡Vaya bollo se armó en la calle!
B2What a mess/commotion broke out in the street!
No quiero meterme en ese bollo.
C1I don't want to get involved in that mess.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: bollo
Question 1 of 3
If you are at a 'pastelería' and ask for a 'bollo', what will you receive?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin word 'bulla', meaning a bubble or a round object. This explains why all its meanings relate to round shapes—from bread to dents.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'bollo' the same as 'pan'?
'Pan' is the general word for bread. 'Bollo' usually refers to a specific shape (a roll) or a specific type (sweet/soft).
Can I use 'bollo' for a cupcake?
Not usually. A cupcake is typically called a 'magdalena' or 'cupcake' in Spanish. A 'bollo' is more like a brioche or a yeast-risen roll.
Is it offensive?
In some specific slang contexts in Spain, it can be a vulgar term for a lesbian, but in 99% of daily contexts (food, cars, mess), it is perfectly safe and neutral.