Inklingo
← Dictionary

narcotráfico

nar-ko-TRA-fee-ko/narkotɾafiko/

“narcotráfico” means “drug trafficking” in Spanish (the illegal trade of prohibited drugs).

drug trafficking

Also: drug trade
NounmB1
Latin America
A dark silhouette of a small boat on a quiet sea at night carrying several unmarked crates.

📝 In Action

El narcotráfico es un problema muy serio en muchos países.

A1

Drug trafficking is a very serious problem in many countries.

La policía trabaja duro para detener el narcotráfico en la frontera.

B1

The police work hard to stop drug trafficking at the border.

El impacto del narcotráfico afecta la economía y la seguridad nacional.

C1

The impact of drug trafficking affects the economy and national security.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • tráfico de drogas (drug trafficking)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • lucha contra el narcotráfico – fight against drug trafficking
  • red de narcotráfico – drug trafficking network
  • vínculos con el narcotráfico – links to drug trafficking

Idioms & Expressions

  • caer en las redes del narcotráfico – to get caught up in the world of drug trafficking

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "narcotráfico" in Spanish:

drug trade→drug trafficking→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: narcotráfico

Question 1 of 3

If you want to talk about a person who sells drugs, which word should you use?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
narcotraficante(drug trafficker) — Noun
narcótico(narcotic) — Adjective
narco(narco (short form)) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
tráficoespecíficopacífico
📚 Etymology▼

Formed by the prefix 'narco-' (from Greek 'narkōtikós', meaning numbing or sleep-inducing) and 'tráfico' (from Italian 'trafficare', meaning to carry on business).

First recorded: 20th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: narcotraffickingPortuguese: narcotráfico

💡 Master Spanish

Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'narcotráfico' and 'tráfico de drogas'?

There is almost no difference; they are synonyms. 'Narcotráfico' is a more specific, single word often used in formal news, while 'tráfico de drogas' is a more descriptive phrase.

Can I use 'narcotráfico' to describe legal pharmacy sales?

No. 'Narcotráfico' specifically refers to illegal, criminal trade. For legal pharmacy business, you would use 'industria farmacéutica'.

Is 'narco' a bad word?

It's not a 'swear word,' but it describes a very violent and illegal reality, so it's a sensitive topic to discuss.