How to Say "gun" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “gun” is “arma” — use 'arma' when referring to a gun in a general sense, or when the specific type of firearm isn't important or known. It can also refer to any weapon..
arma
/AR-ma//ˈaɾma/
Examples
El guardia de seguridad llevaba un arma.
The security guard carried a gun.
El soldado llevaba un arma para protegerse.
The soldier carried a weapon to protect himself.
La policía encontró el arma del crimen en el parque.
The police found the murder weapon in the park.
Tener un arma de fuego requiere una licencia especial.
Having a firearm requires a special license.
The 'el arma' Rule
Even though 'arma' is a feminine word (meaning you'd say 'las armas' for plural), we use 'el' in the singular ('el arma'). This is just to make it sound better and avoid the two 'a' sounds running together in 'la arma'. This happens with other feminine words that start with a stressed 'a' sound, like 'agua' ('el agua').
Using 'la' instead of 'el'
Mistake: “Vi la arma en la mesa.”
Correction: Vi el arma en la mesa. Remember, for singular feminine nouns starting with a stressed 'a', we borrow 'el' to make it flow nicely. But if you add an adjective, it goes back to 'la'! For example: 'la potente arma' (the powerful weapon).
pistola
/pees-TOH-lah//pisˈtola/
Examples
El policía desenfundó su pistola rápidamente.
The police officer quickly drew his pistol.
El policía sacó su pistola de la funda.
The police officer took his pistol out of the holster.
En las películas de vaqueros, siempre hay alguien con una pistola en el cinto.
In cowboy movies, there is always someone with a gun on their belt.
Gender Reminder
Remember that 'pistola' is a feminine word, so you must use feminine articles and adjectives: 'una pistola vieja' (an old pistol).
pipa
/pee-pah//ˈpipa/
Examples
Le amenazó con una pipa para que le diera el dinero.
He threatened him with a piece (gun) to make him hand over the money.
El ladrón sacó una pipa y nos asustamos.
The thief pulled out a piece (gun) and we got scared.
General vs. Specific Firearms
Related Translations
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