Spanish Conversation · Level 98
59 words
Spanish word
cabecilla
Pronunciation
IPA/kaβeˈθiʝa/
Meaning
- noun (m./f.)ringleader
Example
El cabecilla coordinó la operación.
The ringleader coordinated the operation.
More examples
La policía detuvo al cabecilla de la banda.
The police arrested the gang ringleader.
Core concept
Hidden head of a small group.
Common phrases
cabecilla de la banda
gang ringleader
cabecilla del grupo
group ringleader
Similar words
jefe: Formal workplace boss who has authority to give orders and manage staff.
líder: Charismatic group leader who shapes opinions and coordinates collective action.
responsable: Individual responsible for carrying out a task and accountable for its results.
cabeza: Central figure in a group or plan who shapes major decisions.
Definition in Spanish
Persona que actúa como cabeza de un grupo reducido, especialmente en contextos clandestinos o delictivos.
Word origin
From Spanish cabeza 'head' (from Latin caput) plus the diminutive -illa, originally 'little head' that came to mean the head of a small, often secretive group.
Usage tips
- Strongly pejorative and often associated with clandestine or criminal activity, so use líder or responsable for a neutral description.
Opposites
- seguidorfollowernoun
- subalternounderlingnoun