Inklingo

How to Say "blast" in Spanish

English → Spanish

boom

/boom/ (like the English word)/bum/

nounA2informal
Use 'boom' to describe the loud sound of a sudden, sharp explosion, like a firecracker or a small detonation.
A simplified illustration of a large, sudden cloud of grey smoke and bright orange light erupting from a central point, symbolizing a loud explosion sound.

Examples

Oímos un gran boom que venía de la calle.

We heard a big boom coming from the street.

El cohete hizo boom y desapareció en el cielo.

The rocket went boom and disappeared into the sky.

Sound Words

In Spanish, words that imitate sounds (onomatopoeia) often function like nouns, or they are paired with verbs like 'hacer' (to make) to describe the action.

explosión

nounB1
Choose 'explosión' for the violent, destructive action of something bursting or blowing up, often with significant force and damage.

Examples

La explosión de gas rompió todas las ventanas.

The gas explosion broke all the windows.

racha

/rah-chah//ˈrat͡ʃa/

nounB2
Use 'racha' specifically when referring to a sudden, strong gust or puff of wind.
A colorful kite flying high in the sky with its tail fluttering violently in the wind.

Examples

Una racha de viento muy fuerte me rompió el paraguas.

A very strong gust of wind broke my umbrella.

Habrá rachas de viento de hasta 80 kilómetros por hora.

There will be wind gusts of up to 80 kilometers per hour.

Sound vs. Force vs. Wind

Learners often confuse 'boom' and 'explosión'. Remember that 'boom' is primarily the *sound* of an explosion, while 'explosión' refers to the powerful, destructive *event* itself. 'Racha' is entirely separate, referring only to wind.

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