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How to Say "to explode" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “to explode” is “explotar” — use 'explotar' for a physical, often destructive detonation, similar to how 'explode' is most commonly used in English..

English → Spanish

explotar

eks-plo-TAR/eks.ploˈtaɾ/

verbA2general
Use 'explotar' for a physical, often destructive detonation, similar to how 'explode' is most commonly used in English.
A small, round cartoon bomb violently bursting into a large cloud of orange and yellow smoke and debris, illustrating physical detonation.

Examples

La bomba explotó en el edificio abandonado.

The bomb exploded in the abandoned building.

El neumático explotó por la presión del aire.

The tire burst due to the air pressure.

Vimos que el volcán estaba a punto de explotar.

We saw that the volcano was about to erupt (explode).

Using 'explotar' as an event

When 'explotar' describes a sudden event, like a bomb going off, it usually works like other action verbs: 'El gas explotó' (The gas exploded).

estallar

/es-ta-yar//es.taˈʎaɾ/

verbA2general
Use 'estallar' for a physical detonation, often emphasizing the suddenness and impact, but can also describe emotions bursting forth.
A small, round, black bomb with a lit fuse is exploding, releasing bright orange and yellow flames and gray smoke in a stylized manner.

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.

volar

/boh-LAHR//boˈlaɾ/

verbB2general
Use 'volar' specifically when an explosion is intentionally caused, often through controlled demolition or by setting something on fire rapidly.
A small wooden building violently exploding into colorful debris with large orange and yellow blast effects.

Examples

La policía voló la puerta para entrar a la casa.

The police blew up the door to enter the house.

El edificio voló por una fuga de gas.

The building exploded due to a gas leak.

Transitive vs. Intransitive

'Volar' can be used to describe both causing an explosion (transitive: 'Ellos volaron la pared') and the resulting explosion itself (intransitive: 'La pared voló').

saltar

sahl-TAHR/salˈtaɾ/

verbB2general
Use 'saltar' when something 'explodes' in the sense of suddenly jumping out or springing forth, not a literal detonation.
A wooden box with a spring mechanism suddenly opening, causing a brightly colored clown figure to pop out rapidly.

Examples

Cuando abrí la caja, una araña me saltó a la cara.

When I opened the box, a spider sprang out at my face.

La alarma de incendios saltó sin motivo aparente.

The fire alarm went off for no apparent reason.

Cuando le preguntaron por su ex, él saltó con un comentario brusco.

When they asked him about his ex, he flared up with a sharp comment.

Literal vs. Figurative Explosions

Learners often confuse 'explotar' and 'estallar' with 'saltar'. Remember that 'explotar' and 'estallar' describe actual detonations. 'Saltar' is used when something suddenly jumps or springs out, not a destructive blast.

Related Translations

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