How to Say "grenade" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “grenade” is “bomba” — use 'bomba' for a general, often smaller, hand-held explosive device, or even metaphorically for something that 'explodes' with impact, like a surprise announcement.
English → Spanish
bomba
BO-mbah (stress on the first syllable)ˈbom.ba
nounA2general
Use 'bomba' for a general, often smaller, hand-held explosive device, or even metaphorically for something that 'explodes' with impact, like a surprise announcement.
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.
granada
grah-nah-dahɡɾaˈnaða
nounB2military, formal
Choose 'granada' specifically for a military-type explosive device, such as those used in combat or for tactical purposes (like a smoke grenade).
Examples
El soldado lanzó una granada de humo.
The soldier threw a smoke grenade.
Shared Name
The weapon is named after the fruit because early grenades looked like pomegranates and were filled with 'seeds' (gunpowder/pellets).
General vs. Military Explosives
Learners often confuse 'bomba' and 'granada' by using 'bomba' for all explosive devices. Remember that 'granada' is the precise term for a military-style grenade, while 'bomba' is broader and can refer to other types of explosive devices or even metaphorical 'bombs'.
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