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banda

BAHN-dahˈbanda

band

Also: orchestra, group
NounfA1
A small group of musicians playing instruments like a guitar and drums on a stage.

📝 In Action

Mi banda favorita dará un concierto este sábado.

A1

My favorite band is giving a concert this Saturday.

La banda municipal tocó marchas en la plaza principal.

A2

The municipal band played marches in the main square.

Estuve en la banda de la escuela por tres años.

A1

I was in the school band for three years.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • tocar en una banda – to play in a band
  • banda sonora – soundtrack (literally, 'sound band')

gang

Also: crew, horde
NounfB1neutral/informal
A group of three figures wearing dark clothing and masks, huddled together secretly.

📝 In Action

La policía desmanteló una banda dedicada al robo de coches.

B1

The police broke up a gang dedicated to car theft.

Toda la banda se reunió para ver el partido en casa de Lucas.

B1

The whole crew (or 'bunch of friends') met up to watch the game at Lucas's house.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • banda criminal – criminal gang

sash

Also: stripe, ribbon
NounfB2neutral/formal
A stylized drawing of a ceremonial red ribbon worn diagonally across a white shirt.

📝 In Action

El uniforme llevaba una banda roja cruzada sobre el pecho.

B2

The uniform had a red sash crossed over the chest.

Colocaron una banda en el coche del ganador del rally.

C1

They put a ribbon (or 'strip') on the rally winner's car.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • faja (belt, wide strip)
  • cinta (ribbon, tape)

Common Collocations

  • banda presidencial – presidential sash
  • banda magnética – magnetic strip (on a credit card)

side

Also: rail, shore/bank
NounfB1
Spain (Soccer)
A simple illustration showing a field or large area with a distinct line marking the edge or border.

📝 In Action

El balón salió por la banda y fue saque de esquina.

B1

The ball went out over the sideline (or 'side') and resulted in a corner kick.

Al otro lado de la banda del río hay una pequeña casa.

B2

On the other side of the riverbank, there is a small house.

Necesitas golpear la bola contra la banda para meterla.

B1

You need to hit the ball against the rail (of the table) to sink it.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • por la banda – down the side (in sports)
  • la banda derecha – the right side

Translate to Spanish

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: banda

Question 1 of 2

Which meaning of 'banda' is used in the phrase: 'El coche se salió de la banda de la carretera'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
bandeja(tray) — Noun
banderín(pennant, small banner) — Noun
abanderado(flag bearer) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

The word comes from a Germanic root, possibly Gothic *bandwa*, meaning 'sign' or 'banner.' It entered Spanish via medieval German or French, relating to something tied, grouped together, or marked with a strip.

First recorded: Around the 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: bandFrench: bandeGerman: Band

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'banda' always about music?

No. While 'banda' is very common for music groups, it has three other main meanings: a group of people (like a crew or gang), a decorative ribbon or sash, and the edge or side of a playing field or road.

How is 'banda' different from 'grupo'?

'Grupo' is a general word for 'group.' 'Banda' often suggests a tighter, more organized, or specific type of group, especially in music (a band) or when talking about crime (a gang).