estallar
/es-ta-yar/
to explode
Estallar can mean "to explode," referring to a physical detonation.
estallar(verb)
to explode
?physical detonation
,to burst
?balloon, pipe
to detonate
?explosives
📝 In Action
La bomba estalló a medianoche, causando mucho pánico.
B1The bomb exploded at midnight, causing a lot of panic.
El globo estalló cuando lo infló demasiado.
A2The balloon burst when he inflated it too much.
💡 Grammar Points
Regular -AR Verb
Estallar is a straightforward regular verb, meaning its endings follow the standard pattern for all verbs ending in -ar.
⭐ Usage Tips
Focus on the Suddenness
This verb always implies a sudden, often violent or noisy, action. It's not for things that slowly break.
When a conflict or fire suddenly starts, we use estallar, meaning "to break out."
estallar(verb)
to break out
?war, conflict, fire
,to erupt
?crisis, tension
to flare up
?violence
📝 In Action
La guerra estalló después de meses de tensión política.
B1The war broke out after months of political tension.
Un incendio estalló en el bosque anoche.
B2A fire broke out in the forest last night.
La crisis económica estalló sin previo aviso.
C1The economic crisis erupted without warning.
💡 Grammar Points
Figurative Use
This meaning is figurative, extending the idea of a physical explosion to a sudden, serious event like a war or a crisis. Think of it as the crisis 'exploding' onto the scene.
Estallar is used when someone "bursts into" a strong emotion, such as laughter or tears.
📝 In Action
Al escuchar la noticia, ella estalló en lágrimas.
B2Upon hearing the news, she burst into tears.
Toda la audiencia estalló en aplausos al final del concierto.
B2The entire audience broke out in applause at the end of the concert.
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'en'
When using 'estallar' for emotions, you almost always need the preposition 'en' (in/into) immediately following the verb: 'estallar en risa' (burst into laughter).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Missing Preposition
Mistake: "Él estalló lágrimas."
Correction: Él estalló en lágrimas. (You need 'en' to link the action to the emotion.)
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: estallar
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'estallar' in the figurative sense of 'breaking out'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'estallar' used for small, soft sounds?
No. 'Estallar' usually implies a loud, sudden, and sometimes violent action. For small sounds or soft breaks, you would use verbs like 'romper' (to break) or 'chasquear' (to snap/click).
How do I say 'to burst into laughter'?
You must use the structure 'estallar en risas' or 'estallar a reír'. The most common is 'estallar en risas' (to burst into laughs/laughter).