How to Say "to detonate" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to detonate” is “estallar” — use 'estallar' when referring to an explosive device going off, especially if it happens suddenly or unexpectedly. It's a more general term for explosion.
estallar
es-ta-yares.taˈʎaɾ
Examples
La bomba estalló a medianoche, causando mucho pánico.
The bomb exploded at midnight, causing a lot of panic.
El globo estalló cuando lo infló demasiado.
The balloon burst when he inflated it too much.
Regular -AR Verb
Estallar is a straightforward regular verb, meaning its endings follow the standard pattern for all verbs ending in -ar.
detonar
deh-toh-NAHRdetoˈnaɾ
Examples
Los expertos decidieron detonar la bomba de forma controlada.
The experts decided to detonate the bomb in a controlled manner.
Un fallo eléctrico detonó la carga accidentalmente.
An electrical failure detonated the charge accidentally.
Ten cuidado, cualquier chispa puede detonar el gas.
Be careful, any spark can set off the gas.
Using 'detonar' with objects
This verb usually needs something to receive the action. You detonate something (like a bomb or a device).
Regular -ar Pattern
Good news! This verb follows the standard rules for all -ar verbs. It has no hidden spelling changes.
Detonar vs. Explotar
Mistake: “La bomba detonó por sí sola.”
Correction: La bomba explotó por sí sola.
Detonar vs. Estallar
Related Translations
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