Spanish Conversation · Level 23
90 words
Spanish word
bandolero
Pronunciation
IPA/bandoˈleɾo/
Meaning
- masculine nounbandit
Example
El bandolero atacó a los viajeros en la sierra.
The bandit attacked the travelers in the mountains.
More examples
Vi una película sobre bandoleros ambientada en el siglo XIX.
I saw a film about bandits set in the 19th century.
Core concept
Armed robber ambushing travelers on a mountain road.
Common phrases
película sobre bandoleros
film about bandits
novela sobre bandoleros
novel about bandits
Similar words
ladrón: Takes valuables from homes or stores, typically by stealth or simple theft.
atracador: Carries out robberies by threatening or intimidating victims in face-to-face hold-ups.
bandido: Uses violence and weapons to carry out raids and serious crimes for profit.
salteador: Stops and robs travelers on roads or trails, often via quick ambushes.
Definition in Spanish
Persona armada que comete asaltos en el campo o en caminos y que actúa al margen de la ley.
Word origin
From Spanish banda 'band' plus suffix -ero 'one who belongs to', originally 'member of a band' and later used for those who rob travelers in the countryside.
Usage tips
- Used for violent, lawless robbers who attack people on roads or in remote areas, so prefer ladrón or bandido for a neutral 'thief' in everyday speech.
Other meanings
- robbernoun
- outlawnoun
Opposites
- autoridadthe authoritiesnoun
Related words
- bandolerashoulder bagnoun