Spanish Phrase
Necesito una bombilla nueva.
Meaning
This phrase is a straightforward way to express that a light bulb has burnt out and requires replacement. It uses the verb 'necesitar' (to need) followed by the feminine noun 'bombilla' and the matching adjective 'nueva'.
When to use
Use this phrase when shopping at a hardware store or explaining a household maintenance issue to a roommate or landlord. It is a practical, everyday sentence for home-related needs.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Necesitounabombillanueva
Verb Conjugation
'Necesito' is the first-person singular present form of 'necesitar'. The 'o' ending tells us the subject is 'I'.
Word Order
In Spanish, adjectives like 'nueva' usually come after the noun they modify, which is the opposite of English.
🗨In Conversation
La lámpara del salón no funciona.
The living room lamp isn't working.
Necesito una bombilla nueva.
I need a new light bulb.
✕Common Mistakes
Necesito un bombilla nueva.
'Bombilla' is a feminine noun, so it must be preceded by the feminine article 'una'.
Necesito una bombilla nuevo.
Adjectives in Spanish must agree in gender with the noun they describe; 'nueva' matches the feminine 'bombilla'.
↔Alternatives
¿Tienen focos?
Do you have light bulbs? (Common in Mexico)
Se ha fundido la bombilla.
The light bulb has burnt out.
Cultural Tip
While 'bombilla' is the standard term in Spain, many Latin American countries prefer 'foco' (Mexico/Central America), 'ampolleta' (Chile), or 'bombillo' (Colombia/Venezuela). If you are traveling, it is helpful to check the local term for household hardware.