Spanish Conversation · Level 71
60 words
Spanish word
estallar
Pronunciation
IPA/estaˈʝaɾ/
Meaning
- verbexplode
Example
El globo estalló durante la fiesta.
The balloon exploded during the party.
More examples
Durante el concierto, el público estalló en aplausos.
During the concert, the audience burst into applause.
Core concept
A sudden violent burst outward.
Common phrases
estallar una bomba
a bomb explodes
estallar en aplausos
burst into applause
estallar la polémica
a controversy erupts
Similar words
explotar: Suddenly release internal pressure or gas in a violent, forceful rupture.
reventar: Burst open due to excessive inflation or pressure, typically spilling what was inside.
romperse: Break or shatter under applied force, producing cracks, splits, or fragments.
Definition in Spanish
Tener una explosión o reventar de golpe; por extensión, indicar el inicio súbito de conflictos, emociones o sucesos.
Word origin
From Latin ex- 'out' plus a verb root meaning 'burst', it developed in Romance languages to mean a physical rupture and then 'break out' for events or emotions.
Usage tips
- Estallar normally describes spontaneous or natural bursts; use hacer estallar when someone causes an explosion, and estallar en + noun to mean 'burst into' an emotion such as estallar en lágrimas.