Spanish Conversation · Level 98
59 words
Spanish word
mafia
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈmafja/
Meaning
- feminine nounmafia
Example
¿Has oído hablar de la mafia?
Have you heard of the mafia?
More examples
La policía investigó los vínculos de la mafia siciliana.
The police investigated the ties of the Sicilian mafia.
Core concept
An organized secret syndicate with internal ranks that uses violence and corruption to secure power and protect economic interests.
Common phrases
la mafia italiana
Italian mafia
la mafia siciliana
Sicilian mafia
la mafia rusa
Russian mafia
Similar words
organización criminal: Criminal organization formed to plan and execute illegal activities.
cártel: Profit-driven cartel controlling drug distribution and smuggling networks.
banda: Tight-knit neighborhood crew engaging in theft, fights, or small-scale crime.
clan: Kin-centered group where family ties determine leadership and mutual protection.
Definition in Spanish
Organización criminal secreta y jerárquizada que realiza actividades ilegales y protege sus intereses mediante violencia y corrupción.
Word origin
Spanish mafia comes from Italian mafia, ultimately taken from the Sicilian word mafiusu.
Usage tips
- In Spanish, mafioso/mafiosa appears both as a noun for members and as an adjective for corrupt practices, as in prácticas mafiosas.