Inklingo
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asalto

/a-SAL-toh/

robbery

A masked figure, wearing black gloves, quickly snatching a bag of money from an open window of a building.

Asalto meaning "robbery" often involves theft using force or threat.

asalto(noun)

mA2

robbery

?

theft involving force or threat

,

hold-up

?

specifically a robbery of a bank or store

Also:

mugging

?

street robbery

📝 In Action

El asalto al banco ocurrió a plena luz del día.

A2

The bank robbery happened in broad daylight.

La policía está investigando el asalto en la joyería.

B1

The police are investigating the hold-up at the jewelry store.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • robo (theft/robbery)
  • atraco (hold-up)

Common Collocations

  • sufrir un asalto – to suffer a robbery
  • asalto a mano armada – armed robbery

💡 Grammar Points

Masculine Noun

Remember that 'asalto' is always masculine, so you must use 'el asalto' or 'un asalto'.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Confusing Noun and Verb

Mistake: "No digas 'asalto' cuando quieres decir 'robar' (the verb)."

Correction: Use 'asalto' for the event (the robbery), and 'asaltar' for the action (to rob).

⭐ Usage Tips

Reporting Crime

This is the standard, neutral word used in media and police reports for a forceful theft.

Simple illustration of stylized soldiers running up a small dirt hill towards a wooden barricade, representing a military attack.

Asalto can refer to a military "assault" or sudden, aggressive attack.

asalto(noun)

mB2

assault

?

military attack or sudden aggressive action

,

raid

?

a quick, surprise attack

Also:

onset

?

the beginning of something unpleasant, like a disease

📝 In Action

El asalto a la fortaleza fue un éxito, pero costó muchas vidas.

B2

The assault on the fortress was a success, but it cost many lives.

Sufrió un asalto de tos en medio de la reunión.

C1

He suffered an onset of coughing during the meeting.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • ataque (attack)
  • embestida (charge/onslaught)

Common Collocations

  • asalto militar – military assault
  • asalto aéreo – air raid

💡 Grammar Points

Military Context

In military history or strategy, 'asalto' refers to a concentrated, often final, offensive push.

Two cartoon boxers wearing red and blue gloves actively fighting in a simple boxing ring, representing a round of fighting.

In combat sports like boxing, asalto means a "round" or period of fighting.

asalto(noun)

mB1

round

?

a period of fighting in boxing or fencing

📝 In Action

El boxeador fue noqueado en el tercer asalto.

B1

The boxer was knocked out in the third round.

Solo quedan dos asaltos para el final del combate.

B1

There are only two rounds left until the end of the match.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • el último asalto – the final round
  • ganar por asalto – to win by round (not common, usually 'por puntos')

💡 Grammar Points

Specific Vocabulary

When talking about sports that involve fighting (like boxing or wrestling), 'asalto' is the specific term for a segment of the match, like 'round' in English.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: asalto

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence uses 'asalto' in the context of sports?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

asaltar(to rob, to assault) - verb
asaltante(assailant, robber) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'asalto' the same as 'robo'?

'Asalto' usually implies force or threat of violence against a person or a place (like a bank), making it similar to 'robbery' or 'hold-up.' 'Robo' is a broader term for theft, which can sometimes happen without direct confrontation.

How do I use 'asalto' in a sentence about crime?

You can say 'Hubo un asalto' (There was a robbery) or 'Sufrimos un asalto' (We suffered a robbery). It functions as a standard noun describing the event.