pandilla
“pandilla” means “group of friends” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
group of friends, crew
Also: bunch (of people)
📝 In Action
Mi pandilla y yo vamos al cine todos los viernes.
A2My group of friends and I go to the movies every Friday.
Éramos una pandilla de niños jugando en el parque hasta tarde.
A1We were a bunch of kids playing in the park until late.
gang
Also: mob
📝 In Action
La policía capturó al líder de la pandilla.
B1The police captured the leader of the gang.
Hubo un enfrentamiento entre dos pandillas rivales en el barrio.
B2There was a confrontation between two rival gangs in the neighborhood.
Vocabulary Collections
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: pandilla
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'pandilla' in its most negative sense?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
The exact origin is uncertain, but it likely developed from the older Spanish word 'banda' (group or banner), or possibly from a regional word meaning 'company' or 'gathering.' It has been used for centuries to describe a group of people, whether for good or bad intentions.
First recorded: 15th century (documented)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'pandilla' a bad word?
'Pandilla' is a neutral word that simply means 'group.' However, because it is often used in the media to describe criminal organizations, it can carry a negative feeling, similar to how 'crew' can mean friends or a criminal group in English. You must judge the meaning by the context!
Can I use 'pandilla' to talk about my adult friends?
Absolutely. While it is often associated with childhood or youth, you can use it informally to refer to your regular group of adult friends or colleagues, especially if you feel close to them.