Inklingo

bandidos

ban-DEE-dohs/banˈdiðos/

bandidos means bandits in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

bandits

Also: outlaws, brigands
NounmA2
A group of outlaws wearing scarves over their faces and carrying sacks of gold coins.

📝 In Action

Los bandidos se escondieron en las cuevas después del robo.

A2

The bandits hid in the caves after the robbery.

Había historias sobre bandidos famosos que recorrían estos caminos.

B1

There were stories about famous outlaws who traveled these roads.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • policías (police officers)
  • héroes (heroes)

Common Collocations

  • bandidos de caminohighwaymen
  • una banda de bandidosa gang of bandits

rascals

Also: scoundrels, cheeky monkeys
NounmB1informal
General
A mischievous child hiding behind a chair with a playful grin.

📝 In Action

¡Qué bandidos son mis sobrinos! Escondieron mis llaves otra vez.

B1

What rascals my nephews are! They hid my keys again.

Esos perros son unos bandidos, siempre roban comida de la mesa.

B1

Those dogs are such scoundrels, they are always stealing food from the table.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • traviesos (mischievous)
  • pillos (rascals)

Common Collocations

  • unos pequeños bandidossome little rascals

Idioms & Expressions

  • hecho un bandidoacting like a rebel or a rascal

Translate to Spanish

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: bandidos

Question 1 of 2

If someone calls their mischievous puppy a 'bandido,' what do they mean?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family
bandido(bandit (singular masculine))Noun
bandida(bandit (singular feminine))Noun
bandidaje(banditry)Noun
🎵 Rhymes
📚 Etymology

Comes from the Italian word 'bandito,' which originally described someone who was 'banned' or exiled from their community. Over time, it came to mean someone who lived as an outlaw in the wilderness.

First recorded: 16th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: banditItalian: bandito

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'bandidos' an offensive word?

Generally, no. While its literal meaning refers to criminals, it is very frequently used as a playful nickname for rascals or children. Context is key!

Can I use 'bandidos' for people who rob a store today?

You can, but 'ladrones' or 'asaltantes' is more common for modern-day crimes. 'Bandidos' often brings to mind old-fashioned outlaws or groups in the mountains.