matones
/mah-TOH-nehs/
bullies
The word 'matones' refers to bullies who intimidate others, represented here by an aggressive child on a playground.
matones(noun)
bullies
?people who intimidate or hurt others
,thugs
?tough criminals or hired muscle
hitmen
?specifically those hired to kill or beat someone up
📝 In Action
En las películas de acción, el villano siempre tiene un grupo de matones.
B1In action movies, the villain always has a group of thugs.
Los profesores deben estar atentos para detener a los matones del colegio.
B1Teachers must be vigilant to stop the school bullies.
💡 Grammar Points
Making it plural
This word is the plural form of 'matón'. To make words ending in '-ón' plural, you add '-es' and drop the written accent mark.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Killer vs. Bully
Mistake: "Thinking 'matones' only refers to people who kill."
Correction: While it comes from the word 'to kill', it usually just means a bully or a tough guy who intimidates others.
⭐ Usage Tips
Group Gender
Even though 'matones' is masculine, you use it for a group of bullies that includes both men and women. If the group is only women, use 'matonas'.
As an adjective, 'matones' describes a bullying or intimidating attitude, like this aggressive dog's behavior.
matones(adjective)
bullying
?describing an aggressive or intimidating attitude
thuggish
?describing behavior characteristic of a thug
📝 In Action
No me gustan esos aires matones que tienes hoy.
B2I don't like those bullying airs you have today.
💡 Grammar Points
Adjective Agreement
Since 'matones' is plural and masculine, the things it describes (like 'aires' or 'hombres') must also be plural and masculine.
⭐ Usage Tips
Softening the blow
Calling someone's behavior 'matón' is quite strong and confrontational. Use it carefully!
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: matones
Question 1 of 2
Which of these people would most likely be called 'matones'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'matones' a slang word?
It is neutral to informal. You will hear it in news reports about crime (neutral) and also on the playground (informal).
Can I use 'matones' to describe a woman?
For a single woman, use 'matona'. For a group of women, use 'matonas'. 'Matones' is used for a group of men or a mixed-gender group.