mafioso
“mafioso” means “mobster” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
mobster
Also: gangster, mafioso
📝 In Action
La policía capturó al mafioso ayer.
A2The police caught the mobster yesterday.
Muchos mafiosos viven en casas lujosas.
B1Many mobsters live in luxurious houses.
El mafioso se negó a hablar con el juez.
B2The mobster refused to talk to the judge.
shady
Also: corrupt, mafia-like
📝 In Action
Ese tipo tiene un aspecto muy mafioso.
B1That guy has a very shady/mafia-like look.
No me gustan sus métodos mafiosos.
B2I don't like his shady/mob-like methods.
El negocio cerró por sus tratos mafiosos.
C1The business closed because of its corrupt dealings.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: mafioso
Question 1 of 3
Which of these is the correct way to say 'the mobsters' (plural)?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From Italian 'mafioso', which comes from 'mafia'. Originally, in Sicilian, it was used to describe someone who was bold, arrogant, or protected, before it became strictly associated with organized crime.
First recorded: 19th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use 'mafioso' for any criminal?
Technically, it refers to organized crime (the Mafia). While people use it informally for 'shady' people, it specifically implies a connection to a larger criminal network.
Is 'mafioso' an offensive word?
Yes, it is usually negative. Unless you are talking about a movie character, calling a real person 'mafioso' is a strong accusation of serious criminal activity.
How do I talk about a woman who is a mobster?
Simply change the final 'o' to an 'a': 'una mafiosa'.