Balde

Balde is a common noun in Portuguese and Galician meaning a bucket or pail; in many Spanish-speaking regions balde also refers to a bucket. It denotes a portable container designed to transport liquids and loose materials. The term is used in everyday speech as well as in industrial and agricultural contexts.

Construction and design: Most baldes are cylindrical or conical and equipped with a handle attached to the rim. They can be made of metal (such as steel or aluminum), plastic (polypropylene or polyethylene), or wood. Typical capacities range from about 1 liter for small utility pails to 25 liters for larger household buckets. Some designs include reinforced rims, measures on the inside, or a lid.

Variants and uses: Common variants include paint buckets with lids, mop buckets with wringers, and collapsible silicone baldes for travel. In construction and farming, larger buckets are used for carrying water, cement, grain, or feed. In firefighting and rescue scenarios, light metal buckets are sometimes used for improvised water transport in emergencies.

Care and cultural notes: Clean baldes after use, dry thoroughly to prevent rust in metal versions, and store in a dry place. Plastic baldes may degrade under prolonged sun exposure. The simple bucket remains a ubiquitous tool across households and workplaces for basic transport, containment, and utility tasks.