bombas
/BOHM-bahs/
bombs
Visualizing 'bombas' as explosive devices.
📝 In Action
Las noticias reportaron que explotaron dos bombas en la capital.
B1The news reported that two bombs exploded in the capital.
El equipo de seguridad desactivó las bombas a tiempo.
B2The security team deactivated the bombs in time.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Reminder
Even though this word ends in '-as', it is based on the feminine singular noun 'bomba'. Remember to use feminine adjectives with it: 'las bombas peligrosas'.
Visualizing 'bombas' as mechanical pumps for liquid or air.
bombas(noun)
pumps
?mechanical devices for liquid/air
fire engines
?informal (Latin America)
,cream puffs
?pastries (Spain)
📝 In Action
Las bombas de agua están funcionando muy bien en el jardín.
A2The water pumps are working very well in the garden.
Necesitas inflar las llantas, ¿dónde están las bombas de aire?
A2You need to inflate the tires, where are the air pumps?
💡 Grammar Points
Two Meanings, One Word
It can be confusing that one word means 'explosives' and 'pumps'! Think of both actions involving a strong release of force or pressure.
Visualizing 'bombas' as short, improvised cultural poetry or verses.
📝 In Action
Durante el baile, el poeta interrumpió la música para recitar varias bombas.
C1During the dance, the poet interrupted the music to recite several improvised verses.
La celebración terminó con un espectáculo de bombas de colores.
B2The celebration ended with a show of colorful fireworks.
⭐ Usage Tips
Cultural Context
In places like Puerto Rico and Cuba, the term 'bomba' refers to a traditional dance and music style, and 'bombas' (the verses) are often recited during the performance.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: bombas
Question 1 of 2
Which meaning of 'bombas' is used in the following sentence: 'Tuvimos que reemplazar las bombas que sacan el agua del pozo.'
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'bombas' always feminine?
Yes, 'bombas' is the plural of the noun 'bomba,' which is always feminine. This means you must use feminine words like 'las' and feminine adjectives with it.
How can I tell if someone is talking about explosives or pumps?
Look at the surrounding words! If they mention water, air, or gasoline, they mean 'pumps.' If they mention police, danger, war, or deactivation, they mean 'explosives.'