bombilla (spanish) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

Noun

Phonetic Transcription

/bomˈbi.ʝa/

Translation Options into English

• Lightbulb
• Bulb
• Straw (especially in the context of drinking)

Meaning and Usage

"Bombilla" primarily refers to a lightbulb in many Spanish-speaking countries, especially in Mexico and other parts of Latin America. The word can also mean a straw, particularly a metal straw used for drinking beverages like mate, a traditional South American tea.

• Frequency of Use: The term is relatively common across different contexts, especially when discussing electrical fixtures or traditional beverage consumption.
• Oral vs. Written Context: "Bombilla" is frequently used in both spoken and written contexts; however, its usage as a light source is more common in written technical or instructional materials, while its use as a straw is often encountered in casual conversation.

Example Sentences

1. La bombilla de la lámpara se ha fundido.
   Translation: The lightbulb in the lamp has burned out.

2. Ella usa una bombilla de metal para beber mate.
   Translation: She uses a metal straw to drink mate.

3. Necesito comprar una bombilla nueva para la cocina.
   Translation: I need to buy a new lightbulb for the kitchen.

Idiomatic Expressions

While "bombilla" does not have an extensive range of idiomatic expressions, it is sometimes used in creative language or metaphors related to ideas or understanding:

• Tener una bombilla encendida
  Meaning: To have an idea or realization.
  Example: Cuando se le presentó el problema, de repente tuvo una bombilla encendida.
  Translation: When the problem was presented to him, he suddenly had a lightbulb moment.

• Cambiar la bombilla
  Meaning: To change one's perspective or understanding.
  Example: Para resolver el conflicto, necesitamos cambiar la bombilla de cómo vemos las cosas.
  Translation: To resolve the conflict, we need to change the lightbulb of how we see things.

Etymology

The word "bombilla" comes from the diminutive form of the Spanish word "bomba," which originally referred to a pump or bulb. Hence, "bombilla" essentially means "little bulb."

Synonyms and Antonyms

• Synonyms:
• Foco (in some regions, especially in Spain)

• Luz (when referring to light)

• Antonyms:

• Oscuridad (darkness)
• Apagón (power outage)