Inklingo
← Dictionary

banda

/BAHN-dah/

band

A small group of musicians playing instruments like a guitar and drums on a stage.

A musical band performing.

banda(Noun)

fA1

band

?

musical group

Also:

orchestra

?

especially a marching or wind instrument group

,

group

?

general grouping of people

📝 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

  • grupo (group)
  • orquesta (orchestra)

Common Collocations

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

❌ Common Pitfalls

Confusing 'banda' and 'pulsera'

Mistake: "Using 'banda' for a wrist accessory."

Correction: Use 'pulsera' or 'brazalete' for a wristband or arm band, reserving 'banda' for groups or long strips of material.

⭐ Usage Tips

Use for Genres

You can combine 'banda' with musical genres: 'una banda de rock' (a rock band), 'una banda de jazz' (a jazz band).

A group of three figures wearing dark clothing and masks, huddled together secretly.

A small gang planning something mischievous.

banda(Noun)

fB1

gang

?

criminal group

Also:

crew

?

informal group of friends

,

horde

?

large, unruly group

📝 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

  • pandilla (gang)
  • cuadrilla (squad, crew)

Common Collocations

  • banda criminal – criminal gang

⭐ Usage Tips

Connotation Check

When used outside of music, 'banda' can imply an organized group, which often (but not always) carries a slightly negative or suspicious connotation, especially in news reports.

A stylized drawing of a ceremonial red ribbon worn diagonally across a white shirt.

A ceremonial sash worn by an official.

banda(Noun)

fB2

sash

?

ceremonial ribbon worn diagonally

Also:

stripe

?

mark or line

,

ribbon

?

long, narrow strip of material

📝 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)

⭐ Usage Tips

Formal Contexts

This meaning is often seen in formal settings (politics, ceremonies) or when talking about specific technical items like credit cards ('banda magnética').

A simple illustration showing a field or large area with a distinct line marking the edge or border.

The side or edge of the field.

banda(Noun)

fB1

side

?

edge or border of an area

Also:

rail

?

edge of a pool/billiards table

,

shore/bank

?

edge of a river or large body of water (less common than 'orilla')

📝 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

  • lado (side)
  • borde (edge)

Common Collocations

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

💡 Grammar Points

Side of a Field

When talking about the edge of a playing area like a soccer pitch, 'banda' is the standard word.

✏️ 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

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).