boom
“boom” means “boom” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
boom, surge
Also: upheaval, success
📝 In Action
El país experimentó un boom inmobiliario en los años 90.
B2The country experienced a real estate boom in the 90s.
Estamos viviendo el boom de la música urbana a nivel mundial.
C1We are currently experiencing the boom of urban music worldwide.
El boom demográfico puso presión en los servicios públicos.
B2The demographic surge put pressure on public services.
bang, blast
Also: crash
📝 In Action
Oímos un gran boom que venía de la calle.
A2We heard a big boom coming from the street.
El cohete hizo boom y desapareció en el cielo.
B1The rocket went boom and disappeared into the sky.
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: boom
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'boom' in the sense of 'rapid growth'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
This word is a direct borrowing from English. In English, it began as an onomatopoeia (a word imitating a sound) for a deep, resonant noise. Later, it was applied figuratively, especially in the 20th century, to describe a sudden, explosive period of economic prosperity or cultural popularity.
First recorded: Mid-20th century (in Spanish, widely adopted in the 1960s, particularly the 'boom literario latinoamericano').
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'boom' a formal word?
The meaning related to economic or cultural growth ('el boom económico') is very common in formal journalism and business discussions. The meaning related to sound is more informal, like an onomatopoeia.
Are there Spanish alternatives for 'boom'?
Yes! If you are talking about growth, you can use 'auge' or 'crecimiento acelerado' (accelerated growth). If you are talking about a sound, you can use 'estruendo' or 'explosión'.