bomba
/BO-mbah (stress on the first syllable)/
bomb
One meaning of 'bomba' is an explosive device, or a bomb.
📝 In Action
La policía encontró una bomba escondida debajo del coche.
A2The police found a bomb hidden under the car.
Desactivaron la bomba justo antes de que explotara.
B1They deactivated the bomb just before it exploded.
⭐ Usage Tips
Serious Context
Even though 'bomba' has fun, informal meanings, remember this meaning is associated with danger and requires careful context when used.
A 'bomba' can also refer to a pump used for moving liquids or air.
📝 In Action
Necesitas una bomba de aire para inflar la rueda pinchada.
B1You need an air pump to inflate the punctured tire.
El motor no arranca porque la bomba de gasolina está rota.
B2The engine won't start because the fuel pump is broken.
⭐ Usage Tips
Adding the Function
To specify the type of pump, always add 'de' followed by what it moves (e.g., 'bomba de agua' or 'bomba de aire').
When referring to shocking news, 'bomba' translates to 'bombshell'.
bomba(noun)
bombshell
?shocking or surprising news
shocker
?a piece of news that causes surprise
,scoop
?journalistic exclusive
📝 In Action
La renuncia del jefe fue una bomba en la oficina.
B2The boss's resignation was a bombshell in the office.
El periódico anunció la noticia bomba en la portada.
C1The newspaper announced the sensational news (the bombshell) on the front page.
In a conversational context, 'bomba' can mean 'a blast' or a great party.
bomba(noun)
a blast
?a great party or event
amazing
?describing quality (as an equivalent exclamation)
📝 In Action
¡Esa canción es una bomba! No puedo dejar de bailarla.
C1That song is amazing (a blast)! I can't stop dancing to it.
La fiesta de cumpleaños fue una bomba, había mucha gente y música genial.
C1The birthday party was a blast; there were lots of people and great music.
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'Ser'
When 'bomba' means 'a blast' or 'amazing', it is always used with the verb 'ser' (to be) to describe the quality of a thing or event.
⭐ Usage Tips
Use with Caution
This is very informal slang. Reserve it for casual conversation with friends, as using it in formal settings might be confusing or inappropriate.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: bomba
Question 1 of 2
Which English translation is correct for the sentence: 'El descubrimiento fue una bomba en la comunidad científica.'
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'bomba' mean both 'bomb' and 'pump'?
This is a great example of how words evolve! Both bombs and early pumps involved a sudden, forceful release of energy or liquid. The shared idea of 'forceful impact' or 'a burst' allowed the word to describe two very different objects that share a similar functional idea.
Is 'bomba' always feminine?
Yes, 'bomba' is a feminine noun, so it always requires feminine articles (la bomba, una bomba) and feminine adjectives (una bomba poderosa—a powerful bomb/pump).