plomo
lead
In English, 'lead' refers to a heavy, malleable, ductile, bluish-white, dense metallic element, extracted chiefly from galena and found in ore with zinc, silver, and copper. In Spanish, the word is translated as 'plomo'. When it comes to usage, 'plomo' is used in Spanish in almost the same contexts as 'lead' in English, referring to the chemical element or the material used in bullets, pipes, weights etc. It can also be used metaphorically in various Spanish phrases.
Example sentences using: plomo
El plomo es un material muy pesado
Lead is a very heavy material
This example shows the usage of 'plomo' referring to the chemical element, Lead. It emphasizes on its heaviness because lead is known to have a high density, thus ‘heavy’ in terms of weight.
El color del cielo recuerda al plomo
The color of the sky reminds me of lead
In this example, 'plomo' is used to depict a certain color, which is usually gray, associated with lead. This phrase is often used to describe a cloudy or a gloomy sky.
Este lápiz lleva minas de plomo
This pencil carries lead mines
Here 'plomo' refers to the lead used in pencil. Although, the 'lead' in pencils is graphite, it's referred commonly as 'plomo' in Spanish-speaking communities.
Vivir con plomo en el ala
Living with lead in the wing
This phrase is an idiomatic expression, meaning someone having difficulties to keep up the pace or perform at their best, often because of a specific problem or drawback.
La pesca con plomo es muy común
Fishing with lead is very common
In this sentence, 'plomo' is a component in fishing. Fishing with lead refers to using sinkers made out of lead for fishing. It is very common due to their weight that helps to sink the bait.
La tubería de plomo debe ser reemplazada
The lead pipe must be replaced
This sentence refers to 'plomo' as a material used in making pipes. The pipes need to be replaced due to the associated health hazards of using lead pipes.
Esta cadena de plomo es una antigüedad
This lead chain is an antique
In this instance, 'plomo' represents an item (chain) made from the element lead. Highlight is on the fact that this item is an antique, which adds to its value.
La bala de plomo pasó rozando mi cabeza
The lead bullet skimmed past my head
In this sentence, 'plomo' refers to a bullet made of lead material. It indicates a situation of a nearly-missed bullet.
El cielo está plomizo hoy
The sky is leaden today
'Plomizo' is derived from 'plomo' and is used here as an adjective to describe a dark, dull, heavily overcast sky.
El agua contaminada con plomo es peligrosa
Water contaminated with lead is dangerous
This sentence employs 'plomo' to talk about lead contamination in water. It alerts to the potential danger of lead-contaminated water.