bando
/BAHN-doh/
side
The word 'bando' can refer to a side or faction in a disagreement.
bando(noun)
side
?one group in a conflict or disagreement
faction
?a group within a larger organization or a party in a war
,party
?a political or social group
📝 In Action
En la guerra civil, muchas familias se dividieron en bandos opuestos.
B1During the civil war, many families were divided into opposing sides.
No quiero elegir un bando en esta discusión.
B1I don't want to choose a side in this argument.
Los caballeros del bando del rey ganaron la batalla.
B2The knights on the king's side won the battle.
💡 Grammar Points
Always Masculine
Even though it ends in 'o', which is standard, remember that 'el bando' is used even if the people in that group are women. It refers to the group itself.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Bando vs. Banda
Mistake: "Using 'bando' to mean a music group."
Correction: Use 'banda' for a music group or a gang. 'Bando' is strictly for sides in a division or conflict.
⭐ Usage Tips
Using 'Lado' vs 'Bando'
Use 'lado' for physical sides (left/right) and 'bando' when there is a sense of loyalty, conflict, or competition involved.
In another context, 'bando' refers to an official edict or proclamation.
bando(noun)
edict
?an official proclamation by an authority
proclamation
?a public announcement
,public notice
?a notice issued by a mayor or local council
📝 In Action
El alcalde publicó un bando para regular el uso del agua durante la sequía.
C1The mayor published an edict to regulate water use during the drought.
Se leyó el bando municipal en la plaza del pueblo.
C2The municipal proclamation was read in the town square.
💡 Grammar Points
Formal Verbs
This meaning of 'bando' is almost always used with formal verbs like 'publicar' (to publish) or 'dictar' (to dictate/issue).
⭐ Usage Tips
When to use this
You will mostly see this in Spanish news or in small Spanish towns where the mayor still issues 'bandos' to inform neighbors about festivals or road closures.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: bando
Question 1 of 2
If you leave one political party to join the rival one, you are...
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use 'bando' for a sports team?
It is possible but very dramatic. Usually, you would use 'equipo'. Using 'bando' suggests a deep division, almost like a war between the two groups.
What is the difference between 'bando' and 'banda'?
'Bando' (masculine) refers to a side in a conflict or an official notice. 'Banda' (feminine) refers to a musical group, a gang of criminals, or a physical strip/sash of material.