Inklingo
← Dictionary

plomo

/PLOH-moh/

lead

A heavy, solid grey metallic block resting on a wooden surface.

Plomo refers to lead, the heavy grey metal.

plomo(noun)

mB1

lead

?

the heavy, grey metal element

Also:

sinker

?

a weight used in fishing

,

plumb line

?

a tool used by builders to see if a wall is straight

📝 In Action

El plomo es un metal muy pesado.

A2

Lead is a very heavy metal.

Necesito un plomo más grande para que el anzuelo baje al fondo.

B1

I need a bigger sinker so the hook goes to the bottom.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • pesantez (heaviness)

Common Collocations

  • soldadura de plomo – lead soldering
  • gris plomo – lead grey

Idioms & Expressions

  • caer como un plomo – to fall very fast or heavily; or to fall fast asleep immediately
  • tener pies de plomo – to be very cautious and careful in a situation

💡 Grammar Points

Masculine Noun

This word is masculine. Always use 'el' or 'un' with it (el plomo).

⭐ Usage Tips

Science Connection

If you know the periodic table, the symbol for lead is 'Pb'. This comes from the Latin word 'plumbum', which is exactly where 'plomo' comes from!

A man sitting on a chair looking very sleepy and bored.

Plomo can be used to describe a dull or boring person.

plomo(noun)

mB2

bore

?

referring to a dull person

Also:

drag

?

referring to a boring situation or thing

📝 In Action

Tu primo es un plomo; no para de hablar de sus sellos.

B2

Your cousin is such a bore; he doesn't stop talking about his stamps.

¡Qué plomo de película! Me quedé dormido.

B2

What a drag of a movie! I fell asleep.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • pesado (annoying/tiresome)
  • aburrido (boring)

⭐ Usage Tips

Why 'lead'?

Think of lead as being heavy and hard to move. In Spanish, if someone is 'heavy' (pesado) or a 'lead weight' (plomo), they are dragging the mood down or being very dull.

A small electrical fuse with a glass body and metal ends.

Plomo also refers to an electrical fuse.

plomo(noun)

mB2

fuse

?

electrical safety component

📝 In Action

Se saltaron los plomos porque encendí el microondas y la estufa.

B2

The fuses blew because I turned on the microwave and the heater.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • fusible (fuse)

Common Collocations

  • saltar los plomos – to blow a fuse

❌ Common Pitfalls

Plomo vs. Fusible

Mistake: "Using 'fusible' in everyday conversation to mean the power went out."

Correction: While 'fusible' is correct, most people say 'saltar los plomos' when the electricity trips at home.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: plomo

Question 1 of 2

If your friend won't stop talking about boring statistics, you might call him a...

📚 More Resources

Word Family

plomero(plumber) - noun
plomizo(leaden/greyish) - adjective
emplomar(to seal with lead) - verb

Frequently Asked Questions

Does 'plomo' mean 'bullet'?

In some slang contexts (especially in parts of Latin America), 'plomo' can refer to bullets or gunfire, such as 'dar plomo' (to shoot/attack). However, the standard word for bullet is 'bala'.

Is 'plomero' the only word for plumber?

No. In Spain, they often use 'fontanero,' while in many Latin American countries, 'plomero' is the standard term.