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bombilla

bom-BEE-yah/bomˈbiʝa/

“bombilla” means “light bulb” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

light bulb

Also: bulb
NounfA1
SpainMexico
A single glowing glass light bulb against a soft yellow background.

📝 In Action

Tengo que cambiar la bombilla de la cocina.

A1

I have to change the light bulb in the kitchen.

Esta bombilla de bajo consumo ahorra mucha energía.

B1

This energy-saving bulb saves a lot of energy.

La bombilla se fundió anoche y ahora estamos a oscuras.

B2

The light bulb burned out last night and now we are in the dark.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • foco (bulb (used more in Mexico/Latin America))
  • ampolleta (bulb (used in Chile))

Common Collocations

  • cambiar una bombilla – to change a light bulb
  • bombilla LED – LED bulb
  • bombilla fundida – burned-out light bulb

metal straw

NounfB1
ArgentinaUruguay
A silver metal straw with a filtered tip resting inside a wooden mate gourd.

📝 In Action

Limpia la bombilla después de tomar mate.

B1

Clean the metal straw after drinking mate.

Mi bombilla de plata es un recuerdo de Argentina.

B2

My silver metal straw is a souvenir from Argentina.

No revuelvas el mate con la bombilla.

B2

Don't stir the mate with the straw.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • sorbete (straw (general))

Common Collocations

  • bombilla de acero inoxidable – stainless steel straw
  • curar la bombilla – to clean/treat the straw

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "bombilla" in Spanish:

bulb→light bulb→metal straw→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: bombilla

Question 1 of 3

If you are in Madrid and your bedroom is dark because the light is broken, what do you need to buy?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
bomba(bomb/pump) — Noun
bombillo(small light bulb) — Noun
bombear(to pump) — Verb
bombón(marshmallow/sweet/attractive person) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

From 'bomba' (meaning pump or bulbous object) plus the ending '-illa' which means 'little'. It literally translates to 'little pump/bulb'.

First recorded: 18th century (referring to bulbous shapes)

Cognates (Related words)

French: bombillePortuguese: bombilha

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use 'bombilla' for a regular plastic straw?

Usually no. For regular straws used with soda or juice, use 'pajita' (Spain), 'popote' (Mexico), or 'sorbete' (various LatAm countries).

Is 'bombillo' the same as 'bombilla'?

Yes, 'bombillo' is common in countries like Colombia, Venezuela, and the Dominican Republic.

How do I say 'the light bulb burned out'?

You say 'La bombilla se fundió'.