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How to Say "bump" in Spanish

English → Spanish

bollo

/BO-yo//ˈboʝo/

nounB1on a surface
Use 'bollo' when referring to a dent or a deformation on a surface, like a car or a piece of furniture.
A visible dent on the side of a shiny red car door.

Examples

Le hice un bollo al coche al aparcar.

I dented the car while parking.

Esta lata de conservas tiene un bollo.

This tin can has a dent.

Describing Damage

You use the verb 'hacer' (to make) or 'tener' (to have) with this word to describe damage to a car.

bulto

/BOOL-toh//ˈbulto/

nounB2a small raised area
Use 'bulto' when referring to a raised area or lump on a person's body, often caused by an injury.
A small, rounded bump on a person's forearm.

Examples

Me salió un bulto en la rodilla después de la caída.

A lump appeared on my knee after the fall.

Se nota un bulto bajo la alfombra.

You can see a bulge under the rug.

El médico dice que el bulto no es peligroso.

The doctor says the lump is not dangerous.

Describing Locations

When talking about a lump on the body, use the preposition 'en' to say where it is located (e.g., 'en el cuello').

Bulto vs. Chichón

Mistake: “Calling a bump on the head from an accident a 'bulto'.”

Correction: Use 'chichón' specifically for that goose-egg bump you get from hitting your head.

Bollo vs. Bulto

Learners often confuse 'bollo' and 'bulto' because both can describe an undesirable mark. Remember that 'bollo' is for inanimate objects (like a dented car), while 'bulto' is for a raised area on a living being (like a bump on your head).

Related Translations

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