explosivo
/ex-plo-SEE-bo/
explosive
A crate with a lit fuse illustrates something that is explosive.
explosivo(adjective)
explosive
?Something that can blow up
volatile
?A quick-tempered person
,sudden
?Rapid growth or increase
📝 In Action
Ten cuidado, ese gas es muy explosivo.
A2Be careful, that gas is very explosive.
Él tiene un carácter explosivo cuando está estresado.
B1He has a volatile temper when he is stressed.
La ciudad tuvo un crecimiento explosivo en diez años.
B2The city had sudden, rapid growth in ten years.
💡 Grammar Points
Matching the word it describes
Remember to change the ending to 'explosiva' if the person or thing you are describing is feminine, like 'una situación explosiva'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Explosivo vs. Explotar
Mistake: "Using 'explosivo' when you mean the action of blowing up."
Correction: Use 'explosivo' to describe a quality. Use the verb 'explotar' for the action itself.
⭐ Usage Tips
Using it for people
When calling someone 'explosivo', you're usually saying they lose their temper very quickly and loudly.
A bundle of dynamite is a common type of explosive.
explosivo(noun)
explosive
?A substance that causes an explosion
bomb
?General term for a device meant to explode
📝 In Action
La policía buscó un posible explosivo en el maletín.
B1The police searched for a possible explosive in the briefcase.
Es peligroso transportar este tipo de explosivo.
B2It is dangerous to transport this type of explosive.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: explosivo
Question 1 of 1
How would you describe a person who gets angry very easily and suddenly?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'explosivo' always mean something dangerous?
Not always! While it literally refers to bombs or dangerous chemicals, it is often used figuratively to mean 'exciting,' 'rapid,' or 'very popular,' like an 'explosive success' (un éxito explosivo).