Spanish word

ladrón

Pronunciation

IPA/laˈðɾon/

Meaning

  • masculine nounthief

Example

Si ves a un ladrón, llama a la policía.

If you see a thief, call the police.

Illustration for ladrón (thief)

More examples

Detuvieron al ladrón de cartera en la estación.

They arrested the pickpocket at the station.

Core concept

A person taking another's belongings by stealth, trickery, or force.

Common phrases

  • ladrón de cartera

    pickpocket

  • ladrón a mano armada

    armed robber

  • ladrón de coches

    car thief

Similar words

delincuente: Commits crimes and violates the law.
ratero: Repeatedly steals small items in petty, habitual acts.
carterista: Steals wallets and valuables from pockets in crowded places.
atracador: Uses violence or threats to seize money or valuables.

Definition in Spanish

Se usa para una persona que toma pertenencias ajenas mediante engaño, sigilo o violencia.

Word origin

The Spanish word ladrón derives from Latin latrō 'robber' via Old Spanish ladron and historically meant raider or bandit.

Usage tips

  • As a general word for thief, ladrón is often replaced in speech by terms like carterista for pickpockets or atracador for violent robbers to avoid ambiguity.

Related words

  • ladronearstealverb
  • ladronzuelopetty thiefnoun

Word lists with this word