Inklingo

How to Say "light bulb" in Spanish

English → Spanish

bombilla

bom-BEE-yahbomˈbiʝa

nounA1general
Use 'bombilla' for the physical glass object that produces light, especially in Spain and for general household use.
A single glowing glass light bulb against a soft yellow background.

Examples

Tengo que cambiar la bombilla de la cocina.

I have to change the light bulb in the kitchen.

Esta bombilla de bajo consumo ahorra mucha energía.

This energy-saving bulb saves a lot of energy.

La bombilla se fundió anoche y ahora estamos a oscuras.

The light bulb burned out last night and now we are in the dark.

Always Feminine

Even though it refers to an object that produces light (luz), the word itself is always feminine: 'la bombilla' or 'una bombilla'.

Describing Power

When talking about how bright a bulb is, use the word 'vatios' (watts), like 'una bombilla de sesenta vatios'.

Confusing with 'bomba'

Mistake: “Voy a comprar una bomba para la lámpara.”

Correction: Voy a comprar una bombilla para la lámpara. A 'bomba' is a bomb or a pump, not a light bulb!

foco

FOH-kohˈfoko

nounA1general
Use 'foco' primarily in Latin America for a household light bulb, referring to the component that provides illumination.
A single glowing incandescent light bulb hanging from a cord.

Examples

Necesito comprar un foco nuevo para la lámpara de mi cuarto.

I need to buy a new light bulb for my bedroom lamp.

El foco de la cocina se fundió ayer.

The kitchen light bulb burned out yesterday.

Es mejor usar focos ahorradores para gastar menos luz.

It's better to use energy-saving bulbs to use less electricity.

Always Masculine

The word 'foco' is always masculine, so you always use 'el' or 'un' with it, even if you are talking about a small lamp.

Light vs. Bulb

Mistake: “Apaga el foco (to mean 'turn off the light').”

Correction: While often used colloquially, 'Apaga la luz' is more general for turning off the lights in a room.

lámpara

nounB1general
Use 'lámpara' when referring to the light-emitting part of a lighting fixture that has burned out or needs replacement, often implying the bulb specifically.

Examples

Necesitamos comprar una lámpara de repuesto porque esta se fundió.

We need to buy a replacement light bulb because this one burned out.

Bombilla vs. Foco vs. Lámpara

The most common confusion is between 'bombilla' and 'foco', as both refer to the light bulb itself but are used regionally. 'Lámpara' is less common for just the bulb and more often refers to the entire fixture, though context can make it mean the bulb.

Related Translations

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