gángster

GAHNG-stair/ˈɡaŋɡsteɾ/

“gángster” means “gangster” in Spanish (a member of an organized criminal group).

gangster

Also: mobster

NounmB1

General

A man in a sharp vintage pinstripe suit and a fedora standing in a dark city alleyway.

📝 In Action

Ese actor siempre interpreta el papel de un gángster.

That actor always plays the role of a gangster.

La policía arrestó al gángster más buscado de la ciudad.

The police arrested the city's most wanted gangster.

Muchos gángsters operaban en Chicago durante la Ley Seca.

Many gangsters operated in Chicago during Prohibition.

Word Connections

Synonyms

mafioso (mobster)
delincuente (criminal)

Antonyms

policía (police officer)
detective (detective)

Common Collocations

película de gángsters – gangster movie
jefe gángster – gangster boss
estilo gángster – gangster style

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "gángster" in Spanish:

gangster→mobster→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: gángster

Question 1 of 3

Which of these is the correct plural form of 'gángster' according to the Spanish Academy (RAE)?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼

gangsteril(gangster-like/related to gangsters) — Adjective

banda(gang) — Noun

🎵 Rhymes▼

mástercánster

📚 Etymology▼

Directly borrowed from the English word 'gangster' (gang + ster). Spanish added the accent mark to adapt it to Spanish pronunciation rules.

First recorded: 20th century

Cognates (Related words)

French: gangsterPortuguese: gângster

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use 'gángster' to describe a modern criminal?

Yes, but it often carries a connotation of organized crime rather than a simple street thief.

Is the word 'gángster' considered slang?

No, it is a recognized word in the Spanish dictionary and can be used in formal writing or news reports.

Why is there a 'g' in 'gángster' but sometimes people write 'gánster'?

The Spanish Academy (RAE) actually prefers 'gánster' (without the second G), but 'gángster' is very common because it's closer to the original English spelling.