ampolla
ampolla em 30 segundos
- Ampolla primarily means a blister on the skin caused by friction or burns, a very common physical ailment for walkers and workers.
- It also refers to a small, sealed glass vial (ampoule) used in medicine to store injectable liquids or concentrated beauty serums.
- The word is frequently used in the idiom 'levantar ampollas,' which means to cause a stir, provoke controversy, or irritate people.
- Grammatically, it is a feminine noun (la ampolla) and is often paired with the verb 'salir' when referring to skin blisters.
The Spanish word ampolla is a versatile noun that primarily refers to a blister—a small pocket of body fluid (lymph, serum, plasma, or blood) within the upper layers of the skin. Most commonly, English speakers encounter this word in the context of physical discomfort caused by friction, such as wearing new shoes or performing manual labor without gloves. However, the term extends far beyond the realm of dermatology. In a medical or pharmaceutical context, an ampolla also refers to an ampoule, which is a small sealed vial used to contain and preserve a sample, usually a solid or liquid pharmaceutical. This dual meaning is rooted in the word's shape—a rounded, bulbous container. Understanding this word is essential for B1 learners because it bridges the gap between everyday physical experiences and more technical medical or metaphorical discussions. When you are hiking the Camino de Santiago, for instance, the word ampolla will likely become a very frequent part of your vocabulary as you discuss foot care with fellow pilgrims. Beyond the physical, the word is famously used in the idiomatic expression levantar ampollas, which translates literally to 'to raise blisters' but is used figuratively to mean 'to cause a stir' or 'to provoke controversy.' This metaphorical usage is extremely common in Spanish journalism and political commentary, where a controversial statement might be described as 'levantando ampollas' among the public or within a specific political party. In the kitchen, you might also hear the word used to describe the air bubbles that form in dough or the charred bubbles on the surface of a well-cooked pizza crust or a roasted pepper. This breadth of usage—from the pain of a burn to the contents of a vaccine and the fallout of a political scandal—makes ampolla a high-utility word for intermediate students seeking to sound more natural and precise in their Spanish communication.
- Dermatología
- Una lesión cutánea llena de líquido, generalmente causada por fricción o quemaduras.
Después de caminar diez kilómetros con botas nuevas, me salió una ampolla en el talón.
- Farmacéutica
- Recipiente de vidrio o plástico destinado a contener medicamentos líquidos para inyección.
La enfermera rompió la ampolla de vidrio para preparar la inyección de vitaminas.
- Uso Figurado
- Se emplea para describir situaciones que generan irritación, polémica o descontento social.
Sus comentarios sobre la reforma laboral han levantado ampollas en el sindicato.
Ten cuidado con el aceite caliente, si te salpica te puede salir una ampolla.
El panadero observó cómo se formaba una gran ampolla de aire en la masa del pan.
Using ampolla correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical role and its common verbal pairings. As a feminine noun, it always takes the articles la, una, las, or unas. When talking about a blister appearing on your body, the most common verb to use is salir (to come out). For example, 'Me salió una ampolla' (A blister came out on me / I got a blister). If you want to describe the cause, you might say 'Me salió una ampolla por el roce de los zapatos' (I got a blister from the rubbing of the shoes). Another common verb is tener (to have), used simply to state the presence of the blister: 'Tengo una ampolla en el dedo.' When dealing with the blister, you might use verbs like reventar (to pop/burst), pinchar (to prick), or curar (to heal/treat). It is important to note that in medical contexts, 'reventar una ampolla' is often discouraged to prevent infection. In the pharmaceutical sense, the verb romper (to break) is frequently used, as glass ampoules must be snapped open at the neck: 'Hay que romper la ampolla con cuidado para no cortarse.' In figurative language, the verb levantar is almost exclusively used with the plural ampollas to indicate the creation of controversy. You would say 'La nueva ley levantó ampollas entre los ciudadanos.' Note that in this context, the phrase is usually plural, even if the cause is a single event. Additionally, you can use the word in the context of cooking or material science to describe bubbles. For instance, 'La pintura de la pared está formando ampollas por la humedad' (The paint on the wall is blistering/bubbling due to humidity). In this case, 'formar' is the preferred verb. When describing the size or severity, you can use adjectives like dolorosa (painful), grande (big), pequeña (small), or infectada (infected). Understanding these collocations helps you move from basic vocabulary to fluent, contextual usage.
- Acción Física
- Verbos como 'salir', 'reventar' y 'curar' son fundamentales para hablar de ampollas en la piel.
Si no te pones calcetines adecuados, te va a salir una ampolla muy pronto.
- Contexto Médico
- Se utiliza para referirse a viales de vidrio que contienen suero o medicina.
El médico me recetó una ampolla de vitamina B12 cada semana.
- Expresiones Idiomáticas
- 'Levantar ampollas' es una frase hecha que no debe traducirse literalmente si se busca el sentido de polémica.
Su discurso sobre la economía ha levantado ampollas en el sector empresarial.
No te pinches la ampolla con una aguja sucia, podrías infectarte.
La humedad ha causado que salgan ampollas en el papel pintado del salón.
You will encounter the word ampolla in a variety of real-world scenarios, ranging from the mundane to the professional. One of the most common places is at the pharmacy (la farmacia). If you go in asking for something to treat a blister on your foot, you will say: 'Busco algo para una ampolla en el talón.' The pharmacist might offer you 'tiritas' (band-aids) or specific 'apósitos para ampollas' (blister pads/dressings). Alternatively, if you are looking for drinkable vitamins or injectable medications, they might come in 'ampollas bebibles' or 'ampollas inyectables.' In a clinical setting, a doctor or nurse will use the word when examining a burn or a skin reaction. For example, 'La quemadura es de segundo grado porque han aparecido ampollas.' In the world of sports, especially long-distance running or hiking, ampolla is a constant topic of conversation. Athletes discuss prevention strategies, such as double-layering socks or using lubricants, to avoid 'las temidas ampollas' (the dreaded blisters). In a completely different sphere, if you watch the news or read newspapers like El País or El Mundo, you will frequently see the phrase 'levantar ampollas' in headlines. For instance, 'El nuevo impuesto al lujo levanta ampollas entre los inversores.' Here, the word is used to signal social or political tension. You might also hear it in the context of construction or home renovation. If a wall is poorly painted or has water damage, a contractor might point out that the paint is 'haciendo ampollas' (blistering). Even in beauty salons, skin treatments or hair serums are often sold in 'ampollas' to signify a concentrated, high-quality product. This wide distribution across medical, athletic, journalistic, and domestic domains highlights why mastering ampolla is a key step for any intermediate Spanish learner. It is a word that connects the physical body to the tools of medicine and the dynamics of social discourse.
- En la Farmacia
- Lugar donde se compran apósitos para curar las ampollas o medicamentos en formato de ampolla.
¿Tiene algún parche especial para las ampollas? Mis zapatos nuevos me están matando.
- En los Deportes
- Común entre corredores, senderistas y tenistas que sufren fricción constante.
Durante el maratón, se me reventó una ampolla y tuve que seguir corriendo con dolor.
- En la Prensa
- Se usa para describir la reacción negativa o polémica ante una noticia o decisión.
La decisión del entrenador de dejar al capitán en el banquillo ha levantado ampollas en la afición.
Esta crema viene en ampollas individuales para mantener la frescura de los ingredientes.
El calor intenso hizo que aparecieran ampollas en la superficie del plástico.
One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when using ampolla is confusing it with other words that sound similar or have related meanings. A common false friend-adjacent error is confusing ampolla with bombilla (lightbulb). While both are bulbous and often made of glass, they are not interchangeable. If you say you have a 'bombilla' on your foot, people will be very confused! Another common confusion is with the word burbuja (bubble). While an ampolla is a type of bubble (specifically one filled with fluid under the skin or in a material), a burbuja is the general term for any gas-filled sphere, like soap bubbles or bubbles in a carbonated drink. You wouldn't usually call a blister a 'burbuja' unless you were speaking very informally or like a child. Grammatically, students often forget that ampolla is feminine. Using 'el ampolla' is a mistake; it must always be 'la ampolla.' In the plural, it is 'las ampollas.' Another error occurs with the idiom levantar ampollas. Some learners try to use it in the singular ('levantar una ampolla') to mean controversy, but the idiomatic sense almost always requires the plural. Furthermore, learners sometimes struggle with the correct verb for 'getting' a blister. In English, we 'get' or 'develop' a blister, but in Spanish, the most natural way to express this is 'salir' (to come out). Saying 'obtuve una ampolla' sounds like you went out and purchased it or received it as a prize! Lastly, in the medical context, be careful with the word vial. While an ampolla is a type of vial, in Spanish, 'vial' is often used for larger containers with a rubber stopper, whereas ampolla specifically refers to the all-glass version that you must snap open. Confusing these can lead to minor misunderstandings in a clinical setting. By being aware of these nuances—gender, specific verbs, and similar-sounding objects—you can avoid the most common pitfalls and use ampolla with the confidence of a native speaker.
- Confusión con 'Bombilla'
- No confundas la lesión de la piel con el objeto que da luz en una lámpara.
Error: Me salió una bombilla en el pie. Correcto: Me salió una ampolla en el pie.
- Género Gramatical
- 'Ampolla' es siempre femenino. Nunca uses el artículo masculino 'el'.
Error: El ampolla me duele mucho. Correcto: La ampolla me duele mucho.
- Uso del Plural
- En el sentido figurado de causar polémica, se usa casi siempre en plural: 'levantar ampollas'.
La noticia levantó ampollas en todo el país, no solo una ampolla.
Cuidado, no digas 'burbuja' cuando te refieras a una herida por quemadura; suena poco profesional.
Asegúrate de no confundir 'ampolla' con 'ampolleta', que en algunos países es un sinónimo pero en otros puede significar algo distinto.
To truly master the use of ampolla, it is helpful to understand the related words that might be used in its place depending on the context. In a strictly medical sense, a smaller blister is often called a vesícula. While ampolla is the general term for a large blister (usually over 5mm), a vesícula is the term doctors use for the tiny fluid-filled bumps seen in conditions like chickenpox or herpes. If the blister is very large and filled with serious fluid, a medical professional might use the term flictena. For most daily conversations, however, ampolla is the standard. If you are talking about bubbles in a liquid or gas, use burbuja. For example, 'burbujas de jabón' (soap bubbles) or 'burbujas en el champán.' If you are referring to the pharmaceutical vial, synonyms include vial or frasco, though ampolla specifically implies the sealed glass variety. In some Latin American countries, particularly Mexico and Chile, you might hear the diminutive ampolleta used more frequently than ampolla to refer to a lightbulb (confusingly!) or a small medical vial. In terms of figurative language, if you want to say something 'caused a stir' without using the 'ampollas' idiom, you could say 'causó revuelo' or 'generó polémica.' These are more formal and less visceral than levantar ampollas. Another related term is callo (callus). While an ampolla is fluid-filled and usually acute, a callo is a hardened area of skin caused by long-term friction. Hikers often deal with both. Understanding these distinctions allows you to choose the most precise word for your situation, whether you are describing a skin condition, a pharmaceutical product, or a social reaction.
- Ampolla vs. Vesícula
- La ampolla es grande (>5mm), mientras que la vesícula es pequeña (<5mm).
El sarpullido consiste en pequeñas vesículas, no son ampollas grandes.
- Ampolla vs. Burbuja
- La ampolla suele estar en una superficie o material; la burbuja suele estar en un líquido o en el aire.
Me encanta ver las burbujas de jabón flotando en el aire.
- Ampolla vs. Callo
- La ampolla es blanda y duele al instante; el callo es duro y se forma con el tiempo.
Después de años de tocar la guitarra, tengo callos en las yemas de los dedos.
El político prefiere usar la palabra 'polémica' en lugar de 'levantar ampollas' por ser más formal.
La flictena es el término técnico que verás en tu informe de urgencias.
How Formal Is It?
Curiosidade
The evolution from 'small jar' to 'skin blister' happened because the shape of a blister resembles the rounded body of the ancient ampulla vessel.
Guia de pronúncia
- Pronouncing the 'll' like a single 'l' (am-PO-la).
- Stressing the first syllable (AM-po-lla).
- Mispronouncing the 'a' as an 'e' sound.
- Confusing the 'o' with a 'u' sound (am-pu-lla).
- Adding an 's' at the end when singular.
Nível de dificuldade
Easy to recognize in context, but idioms can be tricky.
Requires remembering the 'll' spelling and feminine gender.
Pronunciation of 'll' varies by region but is generally straightforward.
Clear sound, but watch out for 'ampolleta' in Latin American speech.
O que aprender depois
Pré-requisitos
Aprenda a seguir
Avançado
Gramática essencial
Feminine nouns ending in -a
La ampolla, una ampolla.
Verbs of appearance (salir)
Me sale una ampolla (A blister appears on me).
Idiomatic expressions with 'levantar'
Levantar ampollas (to cause a stir).
Agreement of adjectives with feminine nouns
Ampolla dolorosa, ampollas infectadas.
Use of 'por' for cause
Ampolla por el roce (Blister due to rubbing).
Exemplos por nível
Tengo una ampolla en el pie.
I have a blister on my foot.
Uses the feminine article 'una' with 'ampolla'.
La ampolla me duele mucho.
The blister hurts me a lot.
Subject-verb agreement with 'duele' (singular).
No toques la ampolla.
Don't touch the blister.
Negative imperative 'no toques'.
Es una ampolla pequeña.
It is a small blister.
Adjective 'pequeña' agrees with feminine 'ampolla'.
¿Tienes una ampolla?
Do you have a blister?
Simple question structure.
La ampolla es roja.
The blister is red.
Use of the verb 'ser' for description.
Necesito una tirita para mi ampolla.
I need a band-aid for my blister.
Preposition 'para' indicating purpose.
Mis zapatos causan ampollas.
My shoes cause blisters.
Plural noun 'ampollas'.
Me salió una ampolla por caminar tanto.
I got a blister from walking so much.
Verb 'salir' used to describe getting a blister.
Si usas calcetines, no te saldrán ampollas.
If you wear socks, you won't get blisters.
Future tense 'saldrán' with plural 'ampollas'.
La ampolla se reventó sola ayer.
The blister popped by itself yesterday.
Reflexive verb 'reventarse'.
Tengo que curar esta ampolla antes de salir.
I have to treat this blister before going out.
Infinitive 'curar' after 'tengo que'.
Esa ampolla parece una quemadura.
That blister looks like a burn.
Verb 'parecer' for comparison.
No me gusta tener ampollas en las manos.
I don't like having blisters on my hands.
Plural 'ampollas' and 'manos'.
La enfermera me puso una ampolla de suero.
The nurse gave me a vial of saline.
Contextual shift to pharmaceutical vial.
Lávate bien la ampolla con agua y jabón.
Wash the blister well with water and soap.
Imperative 'lávate' with direct object 'la ampolla'.
El médico rompió la ampolla de vidrio para la inyección.
The doctor broke the glass vial for the injection.
Specific use of 'romper' with glass 'ampolla'.
Sus palabras levantaron ampollas en la reunión.
His words caused a stir in the meeting.
Idiomatic use of 'levantar ampollas'.
Hay una ampolla de aire en la tubería.
There is an air bubble in the pipe.
Use of 'ampolla' to mean an air pocket/bubble.
Esta crema se vende en ampollas individuales.
This cream is sold in individual vials.
Passive 'se vende'.
Si la ampolla se infecta, debes ir al médico.
If the blister gets infected, you should go to the doctor.
Conditional 'si' clause.
La pintura está haciendo ampollas por la humedad.
The paint is blistering because of the humidity.
Verb phrase 'hacer ampollas'.
Me han salido ampollas en los dedos de tanto tocar la guitarra.
I've got blisters on my fingers from playing the guitar so much.
Present perfect 'han salido'.
Evita pincharte la ampolla para prevenir infecciones.
Avoid pricking your blister to prevent infections.
Imperative 'evita' followed by infinitive.
La nueva política de la empresa ha levantado ampollas entre los empleados.
The company's new policy has caused a stir among the employees.
Present perfect of the idiom 'levantar ampollas'.
El roce constante del arnés le provocó una ampolla sangrante.
The constant rubbing of the harness caused a bleeding blister.
Use of 'provocar' as a more formal alternative to 'salir'.
Debes desechar la ampolla si ves que el líquido está turbio.
You must discard the vial if you see that the liquid is cloudy.
Medical context with 'desechar' (to discard).
La formación de ampollas en el hormigón indica un problema de secado.
The formation of blisters in the concrete indicates a drying problem.
Technical use in construction.
No es recomendable reventar las ampollas de una quemadura de segundo grado.
It is not recommended to pop blisters from a second-degree burn.
Impersonal 'no es recomendable'.
El artículo de opinión levantó ampollas en el sector conservador.
The opinion piece caused a stir in the conservative sector.
Idiom applied to a specific social group.
Asegúrate de que la ampolla esté bien cerrada antes de guardarla.
Make sure the vial is tightly closed before storing it.
Subjunctive 'esté' after 'asegúrate de que'.
Las ampollas de fricción son comunes en los corredores de maratón.
Friction blisters are common in marathon runners.
Compound noun phrase 'ampollas de fricción'.
La declaración del ministro ha levantado ampollas incluso dentro de su propio partido.
The minister's statement has caused a stir even within his own party.
Advanced use of the idiom with 'incluso'.
La flictena es una ampolla de gran tamaño que requiere atención especializada.
A flictena is a large blister that requires specialized attention.
Technical synonym 'flictena'.
El barniz presentaba ampollas debido a la mala preparación de la madera.
The varnish showed blisters due to poor preparation of the wood.
Imperfect tense 'presentaba' for description.
Se debe verificar la integridad de la ampolla antes de su administración intravenosa.
The integrity of the vial must be verified before its intravenous administration.
Formal medical register.
La crítica literaria levantó ampollas por su tono mordaz e implacable.
The literary criticism caused a stir due to its biting and relentless tone.
Abstract application of the idiom.
El proceso osmótico puede generar ampollas en los cascos de los barcos.
The osmotic process can generate blisters in the hulls of ships.
Technical scientific context.
Tras el incendio, aparecieron ampollas en la piel de los supervivientes.
After the fire, blisters appeared on the skin of the survivors.
Narrative use of 'aparecieron'.
La ampolla bebible de magnesio es una forma rápida de recuperar electrolitos.
The drinkable magnesium vial is a quick way to recover electrolytes.
Specific pharmaceutical term 'ampolla bebible'.
Su prosa, cargada de verdades incómodas, no tardó en levantar ampollas en la alta sociedad.
His prose, laden with uncomfortable truths, soon caused a stir in high society.
Complex literary sentence structure.
La ampolla, en su acepción alquímica, servía para contener esencias volátiles.
The ampoule, in its alchemical sense, served to contain volatile essences.
Historical/archaic context.
Cualquier ampolla en el revestimiento protector puede comprometer la estructura metálica.
Any blister in the protective coating can compromise the metallic structure.
Precise engineering context.
La ruptura accidental de la ampolla liberó un gas altamente tóxico.
The accidental breaking of the vial released a highly toxic gas.
Noun 'ruptura' and adjective 'accidental'.
El debate sobre la eutanasia sigue levantando ampollas en los sectores más tradicionales.
The debate on euthanasia continues to cause a stir in the most traditional sectors.
Periphrastic 'sigue levantando'.
La morfología de la ampolla sugiere una etiología viral más que traumática.
The morphology of the blister suggests a viral rather than traumatic etiology.
High-level medical terminology.
En el soplado de vidrio, la ampolla inicial es crucial para el grosor de la pieza.
In glassblowing, the initial bubble is crucial for the thickness of the piece.
Technical artisanal context.
No es óbice que el texto sea breve para que levante ampollas entre la crítica.
The fact that the text is brief is no obstacle to it causing a stir among critics.
Use of the sophisticated phrase 'no es óbice'.
Colocações comuns
Frases Comuns
— I have a blister. Used to report physical discomfort.
Tengo una ampolla en el talón y no puedo caminar.
— Injectable vial. Refers to medicine intended for a syringe.
La enfermera preparó la ampolla inyectable.
— To blister. Used for skin or materials like paint.
El sol fuerte hizo ampollas en la pintura del coche.
— Full of blisters. Describes a severe condition.
Tenía los pies llenos de ampollas tras la caminata.
— Burn blister. Specifically caused by heat.
Le salió una ampolla de quemadura con el vapor.
— To protect the blister. Advice for healing.
Debes proteger la ampolla con una venda.
— Saline vial. Common in hospital settings.
Añadieron una ampolla de suero al tratamiento.
— To avoid blisters. Focus on prevention.
Usa vaselina para evitar ampollas en los pies.
— Open/burst blister. A blister where the skin is broken.
Una ampolla abierta es más propensa a infecciones.
— Cause of the blister. Discussing the origin.
El roce excesivo fue la causa de la ampolla.
Frequentemente confundido com
Bombilla is a lightbulb; ampolla is a blister or vial. They look similar but have different names.
Burbuja is a general bubble (air/gas); ampolla is specifically a fluid-filled pocket or a vial.
Vesícula is a very small blister; ampolla is a larger one.
Expressões idiomáticas
— To cause a stir or provoke a strong, often negative, reaction.
Su último libro ha levantado ampollas entre los críticos.
General/Journalistic— In some rare contexts, to be a nuisance or a constant source of irritation (less common than 'ser un grano').
Ese tipo es una ampolla, siempre molestando.
Informal— A variation of 'como anillo al dedo' (to fit perfectly), but usually used ironically if something fits 'painfully' well.
Este problema me viene como ampolla al dedo.
Slang/Humorous— Literally to break the vial, but sometimes used to mean 'starting the treatment' or 'getting to the point'.
Vamos a romper la ampolla y hablar de dinero.
Informal— To be in a bubble or isolated from reality (more common as 'burbuja').
Vives en una ampolla y no sabes lo que pasa.
Informal— Not even a scratch/blister. Used to say someone came out of a situation completely unharmed.
Salió del accidente sin ni una ampolla.
General— To work so hard that you get blisters (figurative for hard labor).
Se puso ampollas trabajando en el campo.
Informal— A soap bubble (though 'burbuja' or 'pompa' is much more common).
Mira esa ampolla de jabón tan grande.
Regional— Similar to 'levantar ampollas', meaning to irritate someone deeply.
Ese ruido me saca ampollas.
Informal— A lightbulb (mostly in specific Latin American regions).
Se fundió la ampolla de luz del pasillo.
RegionalFácil de confundir
Sounds like a diminutive of ampolla.
In Chile/Mexico, it often means lightbulb. In Spain, it's just a small ampolla.
Pásame la ampolleta para la lámpara.
Both are medical containers.
An ampolla is usually all glass; a vial has a rubber stopper.
El vial es de plástico, la ampolla es de vidrio.
Both are foot skin issues.
Ampolla is soft/liquid; callo is hard/dead skin.
Tengo un callo de años, pero esta ampolla es de hoy.
Both are skin bumps.
Pústula contains pus (infection); ampolla contains clear fluid (friction).
La pústula indica una infección bacteriana.
Both can mean bubble.
Pompa is usually for soap bubbles; ampolla is for skin or medicine.
Hacer pompas de jabón es divertido.
Padrões de frases
Tengo una ampolla en [body part].
Tengo una ampolla en el pie.
Me salió una ampolla por [action].
Me salió una ampolla por correr.
Hay que [verb] la ampolla con [object].
Hay que limpiar la ampolla con alcohol.
[Subject] ha levantado ampollas en [group].
La ley ha levantado ampollas en el sector.
La presencia de ampollas indica [medical condition].
La presencia de ampollas indica una quemadura grave.
Resulta inevitable que [statement] levante ampollas.
Resulta inevitable que su verdad levante ampollas.
Compré una caja de ampollas de [medicine].
Compré una caja de ampollas de vitamina C.
No [verb] la ampolla.
No rompas la ampolla.
Família de palavras
Substantivos
Verbos
Adjetivos
Relacionado
Como usar
High in medical, sports, and political contexts.
-
El ampolla
→
La ampolla
Ampolla is a feminine noun. Using 'el' is a basic gender error.
-
Tengo una bombilla en el pie
→
Tengo una ampolla en el pie
Confusing 'ampolla' with 'bombilla' (lightbulb) because they are both bulbous.
-
Conseguí una ampolla
→
Me salió una ampolla
In Spanish, blisters 'come out' (salir) rather than being 'gotten' or 'obtained'.
-
Levantar una ampolla (for controversy)
→
Levantar ampollas
The idiom for controversy is almost exclusively used in the plural.
-
Reventar la burbuja (for a blister)
→
Reventar la ampolla
While a blister is a bubble, 'burbuja' is not the correct term for a skin lesion.
Dicas
Dual Meanings
Remember that 'ampolla' is both a medical injury and a medical container. Context will always tell you which is which.
Always Feminine
Even if it sounds medical, it follows the standard -a feminine rule. Use 'la ampolla' always.
Polished Spanish
Use 'levantar ampollas' instead of 'causar problemas' to sound more advanced when talking about controversy.
The Double L
Don't pronounce 'ampolla' like 'ampola'. The 'll' is key; think of it as a 'y' sound.
Camino de Santiago
If you do the Camino, 'ampolla' will be your most used word. Learn it well before you go!
Technical Terms
If you see 'flictena' in a hospital, it's just a fancy way of saying a big 'ampolla'.
Watch for Ampolleta
In some countries, 'ampolleta' is a lightbulb. Don't be surprised if someone asks to 'change the ampolla'.
Useful Verbs
Learn 'prevenir ampollas' (prevent blisters) to talk about sports and footwear.
Pharmacy Talk
Ask for 'apósitos para ampollas' if you need those special padded blister band-aids.
Journalism
Read the 'Opinión' section of Spanish newspapers to see 'levantar ampollas' in action.
Memorize
Mnemônico
Think of an 'AM-PO-lla' as a 'm-PO-cket' of fluid. It's like a tiny 'AM-phora' (jar) on your skin.
Associação visual
Visualize a glass ampoule (vial) and a blister side-by-side; they both have that distinct 'bubble' shape.
Word Web
Desafio
Write three sentences: one about a hiking injury, one about a medical vial, and one about a controversial news story using 'ampolla'.
Origem da palavra
From the Latin word 'ampulla', which was a diminutive of 'amphora' (a two-handled jar).
Significado original: A small, rounded flask or jar used for holding liquids like oil or wine.
Romance (Latin roots).Contexto cultural
No specific sensitivities, but be careful when discussing skin conditions in social settings as it can be 'unappetizing'.
English speakers often use 'blister' for skin and 'vial' for medicine, whereas Spanish uses one word for both.
Pratique na vida real
Contextos reais
Hiking or Walking
- Me está saliendo una ampolla
- Ponerse un parche
- Evitar el roce
- Ampollas en los talones
Pharmacy
- Ampollas para el pelo
- Ampollas de vitaminas
- ¿Tiene algo para las ampollas?
- Caja de ampollas
News and Politics
- Levantar ampollas
- Generar polémica
- Declaraciones incendiarias
- Reacción social
Cooking/Burns
- Quemarse con aceite
- Ampolla de agua
- No te revientes la ampolla
- Crema para quemaduras
Construction/Maintenance
- Ampollas en la pintura
- Humedad en la pared
- Lijar la superficie
- Burbujas de aire
Iniciadores de conversa
"¿Alguna vez te han salido ampollas terribles después de un viaje?"
"¿Sabías que 'levantar ampollas' significa causar mucha polémica?"
"¿Prefieres las vitaminas en pastillas o en ampollas bebibles?"
"¿Qué haces tú para curar una ampolla cuando vas de excursión?"
"¿Has visto cómo la humedad hace ampollas en las paredes de las casas viejas?"
Temas para diário
Describe una vez que tuviste una ampolla dolorosa. ¿Cómo te la hiciste y qué hiciste para curarla?
Escribe sobre una noticia reciente que haya 'levantado ampollas' en tu país.
Imagina que eres un farmacéutico. Explica a un cliente cómo usar una ampolla de suero.
¿Crees que es mejor prevenir las ampollas o simplemente aguantar el dolor?
Describe el proceso de pintar una pared y qué pasa si aparecen ampollas.
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasSe dice 'ampolla'. Es la palabra más común para las lesiones en la piel causadas por el roce de los zapatos o por quemaduras. Ejemplo: 'Tengo una ampolla en el talón'.
Es una expresión idiomática que significa causar mucha polémica, irritación o controversia en un grupo de personas. Ejemplo: 'Su discurso levantó ampollas entre los políticos'.
Sí, una 'ampolla' también es un pequeño recipiente de vidrio sellado que contiene una dosis de medicamento líquido. Ejemplo: 'La enfermera abrió la ampolla de suero'.
Una 'burbuja' es aire dentro de un líquido o una esfera de jabón. Una 'ampolla' es líquido atrapado bajo la piel o un recipiente de vidrio. No se suelen intercambiar.
Es un sustantivo femenino. Siempre se dice 'la ampolla' o 'una ampolla'. Nunca digas 'el ampolla'.
La forma más natural es decir 'salir una ampolla'. Por ejemplo: 'Me salió una ampolla después de la caminata'.
Es un formato de suplemento o medicina que viene en un pequeño vial de vidrio y que se debe beber, no inyectar. Ejemplo: 'Tomo una ampolla bebible de vitaminas cada mañana'.
En Chile, 'ampolleta' es la palabra estándar para referirse a una bombilla de luz (lightbulb), lo cual puede ser confuso para hablantes de otras regiones.
Médicamente, no se recomienda 'reventar una ampolla' (pop a blister) porque puede causar una infección. Es mejor dejar que se cure sola.
Aunque 'ampolla' significa blister, un 'blister pack' de pastillas se suele llamar simplemente 'blíster' o 'tira de pastillas'.
Teste-se 200 perguntas
Describe cómo te hiciste una ampolla recientemente.
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Escribe un párrafo sobre una noticia que levantó ampollas.
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Explica la diferencia entre ampolla y burbuja.
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Redacta instrucciones para curar una ampolla.
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Imagina que eres médico y describe una quemadura con ampollas.
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¿Qué zapatos te causan ampollas y por qué?
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Escribe una frase usando 'levantar ampollas' en contexto político.
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Describe el aspecto físico de una ampolla de vidrio.
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¿Por qué no se deben reventar las ampollas?
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Escribe un diálogo en una farmacia sobre ampollas.
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Usa la palabra 'ampolla' en un poema corto.
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Describe los síntomas de una ampolla infectada.
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¿Cómo evitas las ampollas cuando haces senderismo?
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Escribe sobre el uso de ampollas en la cosmética.
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Explica el origen latino de la palabra ampolla.
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¿Qué harías si se te rompe una ampolla de medicina?
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Escribe una opinión sobre una ley que levantó ampollas.
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Describe una ampolla de aire en una tubería.
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¿Cómo te sientes cuando tienes una ampolla?
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Resume los usos de la palabra ampolla.
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Pronuncia: ampolla
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Di: 'Me salió una ampolla en el pie'
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Explica qué es 'levantar ampollas' en español.
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Describe cómo curarías una ampolla.
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Di: 'La ampolla de vidrio se rompió'
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Habla sobre una experiencia dolorosa con ampollas.
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Usa 'ampolla' en una frase sobre política.
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Pronuncia el plural: ampollas
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Di: 'Necesito tiritas para mis ampollas'
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Explica la diferencia entre ampolla y bombilla.
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Habla de los riesgos de reventar una ampolla.
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Describe una ampolla bebible de vitaminas.
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Usa 'levantar ampollas' en una frase sobre deportes.
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Di: 'La humedad causó ampollas en la pared'
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Explica por qué los corredores tienen ampollas.
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Di: 'Esta crema viene en ampollas'
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Describe una ampolla de quemadura.
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Habla de la etimología de ampolla.
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Di: 'No me toques la ampolla, que me duele'
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Resume los significados de ampolla.
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Escucha y escribe: 'La ampolla es pequeña'.
Escucha y escribe: 'Me salieron ampollas por las botas'.
Escucha y escribe: 'Sus palabras levantaron ampollas'.
Escucha y escribe: 'Rompe la ampolla con cuidado'.
Escucha y escribe: 'Tengo una ampolla de sangre'.
Escucha y escribe: 'La ampolla se ha infectado'.
Escucha y escribe: 'Necesito parches para ampollas'.
Escucha y escribe: 'La pintura está haciendo ampollas'.
Escucha y escribe: 'Es una ampolla de segundo grado'.
Escucha y escribe: 'La ampolla bebible es de hierro'.
Escucha y escribe: 'No te revientes la ampolla'.
Escucha y escribe: 'Las ampollas duelen mucho'.
Escucha y escribe: 'La ampolla de vidrio es azul'.
Escucha y escribe: 'Hay ampollas en el hormigón'.
Escucha y escribe: 'Su discurso levantó ampollas'.
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Summary
The word 'ampolla' is essential for both medical and daily contexts, meaning 'blister' or 'vial'. Remember its common idiom 'levantar ampollas' (to cause a stir). Example: 'Sus críticas levantaron ampollas en el equipo' (His criticisms caused a stir in the team).
- Ampolla primarily means a blister on the skin caused by friction or burns, a very common physical ailment for walkers and workers.
- It also refers to a small, sealed glass vial (ampoule) used in medicine to store injectable liquids or concentrated beauty serums.
- The word is frequently used in the idiom 'levantar ampollas,' which means to cause a stir, provoke controversy, or irritate people.
- Grammatically, it is a feminine noun (la ampolla) and is often paired with the verb 'salir' when referring to skin blisters.
Dual Meanings
Remember that 'ampolla' is both a medical injury and a medical container. Context will always tell you which is which.
Always Feminine
Even if it sounds medical, it follows the standard -a feminine rule. Use 'la ampolla' always.
Polished Spanish
Use 'levantar ampollas' instead of 'causar problemas' to sound more advanced when talking about controversy.
The Double L
Don't pronounce 'ampolla' like 'ampola'. The 'll' is key; think of it as a 'y' sound.
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