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ampolla means blister — a common term in Medical Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: January 11, 2026

🩺 Medical Spanish

ampolla

noun • /[am-PO-ya]/

blister

Example:

Se hizo una ampolla en el talón.

He got a blister on his heel.

🧠 What does ampolla mean?

An 'ampolla' is a small bubble on the skin filled with fluid, typically caused by friction, burning, or other damage. Beyond this primary medical meaning, the term also refers to a small, sealed glass vial containing a dose of medication for injection, known as an ampoule or ampule in English. In some Spanish-speaking regions, 'ampolla' can also mean a light bulb.

📚 Extra examples

  • Después de la caminata, me salió una ampolla dolorosa en el talón.
    After the hike, I got a painful blister on my heel.
  • La enfermera preparó una ampolla de analgésico para el paciente.
    The nurse prepared an ampoule of painkiller for the patient.
  • Se quemó la ampolla del pasillo y ahora está todo oscuro.
    The light bulb in the hallway burned out and now it's all dark.

💡 Did You Know?

The expression 'levantar ampollas' (literally 'to raise blisters') is a widely used idiom that means to cause anger, controversy, or strong negative reactions. For example, a controversial political decision can 'levantar ampollas' among the public.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "ampolla"

Synonyms: vejiga, vial, bombilla, foco
Opposites: There are no direct antonyms for 'ampolla'.

🔍 See more medical spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'blister' in Spanish?
The most common and direct translation for 'blister' is 'ampolla'.
How do you pronounce 'ampolla' in Spanish?
The pronunciation is /am-PO-ya/. The stress is on the second syllable, 'po'. The 'll' is pronounced like the 'y' in 'yes'.
How do you use 'ampolla' in a sentence?
A common sentence would be: 'Los zapatos nuevos me han hecho una ampolla.' (The new shoes have given me a blister.)
What is the English translation of 'ampolla'?
The primary English translation is 'blister'. It also translates to 'ampoule' or 'vial' in a medical context, and sometimes 'light bulb' depending on the region.
Does 'ampolla' change for gender or number?
'Ampolla' is a feminine noun. Its plural form is 'ampollas'. For example: 'una ampolla' (one blister), 'varias ampollas' (several blisters).
Is 'ampolla' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, it is very common in all its meanings. People frequently use it to talk about blisters from shoes or burns, as well as in medical settings for vials of medicine.
Does 'ampolla' have slang or double meanings?
While its main meanings (blister, vial, light bulb) are standard, there is a common idiom, 'levantar ampollas,' which means 'to cause controversy' or 'to stir up trouble'.
Is 'ampolla' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The meanings of 'blister' and 'medical vial' are universal. The use of 'ampolla' for 'light bulb' is more common in some Latin American countries. In Spain, the word for light bulb is 'bombilla'.

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