Inklingo

How to Say "bomb" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “bomb” is “bomba” — use 'bomba' for a general, common explosive device, often implying a threat or a significant explosion. It's the most frequent and versatile translation..

bomba🔊A2

Use 'bomba' for a general, common explosive device, often implying a threat or a significant explosion. It's the most frequent and versatile translation.

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explosivo🔊B1

Use 'explosivo' as a broader, more technical term for any substance or device designed to explode, often used when the exact nature of the device is unknown or when referring to the material itself.

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artefacto🔊B2

Use 'artefacto' when referring to a manufactured device, especially one that is complex or potentially dangerous, often implying it's an 'explosive device' in a more formal or technical sense.

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mina🔊B2

Use 'mina' specifically for a small, often buried explosive device designed to detonate when triggered, commonly associated with warfare or demining contexts.

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English → Spanish

bomba

BO-mbah (stress on the first syllable)/ˈbom.ba/

nounA2general
Use 'bomba' for a general, common explosive device, often implying a threat or a significant explosion. It's the most frequent and versatile translation.
A classic round black bomb with a burning fuse, ready to explode.

Examples

La policía encontró una bomba escondida debajo del coche.

The police found a bomb hidden under the car.

Desactivaron la bomba justo antes de que explotara.

They deactivated the bomb just before it exploded.

explosivo

/ex-plo-SEE-bo//eksploˈsiβo/

nounB1general
Use 'explosivo' as a broader, more technical term for any substance or device designed to explode, often used when the exact nature of the device is unknown or when referring to the material itself.
Three sticks of dynamite tied together with a simple fuse.

Examples

La policía buscó un posible explosivo en el maletín.

The police searched for a possible explosive in the briefcase.

Es peligroso transportar este tipo de explosivo.

It is dangerous to transport this type of explosive.

artefacto

/ar-te-FAK-toh//aɾteˈfakto/

nounB2formal
Use 'artefacto' when referring to a manufactured device, especially one that is complex or potentially dangerous, often implying it's an 'explosive device' in a more formal or technical sense.
A heavy black metal sphere with a thick rope fuse sticking out of the top.

Examples

La policía encontró un artefacto explosivo en la calle.

The police found an explosive device in the street.

Describing Threats

When used in news, it is almost always followed by the word 'explosivo' to be specific.

mina

MEE-nah/ˈmina/

nounB2military/technical
Use 'mina' specifically for a small, often buried explosive device designed to detonate when triggered, commonly associated with warfare or demining contexts.
A storybook illustration of a round, green landmine partially hidden beneath brown soil.

Examples

El equipo de desminado encontró una mina cerca del camino.

The demining team found a mine near the road.

Es una zona peligrosa porque todavía hay minas sin explotar.

It's a dangerous area because there are still unexploded mines.

General vs. Specific Explosives

Learners often overuse 'bomba' for all types of explosives. Remember that 'explosivo' is a broader category, 'artefacto' refers to a manufactured device, and 'mina' is specifically a buried, triggered explosive.

Related Translations

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