Inklingo

How to Say "grenade" in Spanish

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.
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.

granada

/grah-nah-dah//ɡɾaˈnaða/

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).
A classic round metal hand grenade with a safety pin.

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'.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.