pirata
/pee-RAH-tah/
pirate
A "pirata" (pirate) is a historical sea robber often depicted with a distinctive look.
📝 In Action
El pirata enterró un cofre lleno de oro en la isla.
A2The pirate buried a chest full of gold on the island.
La bandera de los piratas era negra con una calavera.
A2The pirates' flag was black with a skull.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Rule for People
Even though 'pirata' ends in '-a', it can refer to a man (el pirata) or a woman (la pirata). The word form itself doesn't change.
⭐ Usage Tips
Historical Context
This meaning is often associated with the Caribbean during the 17th century, or simply in children's stories and movies.
In modern context, a "pirata" (pirate) is someone who illegally copies or distributes goods or media.
pirata(noun)
pirate
?person who illegally copies goods/media
bootlegger
?seller of illegal copies
📝 In Action
Hay muchos piratas vendiendo copias falsas en la calle.
B1There are many pirates selling fake copies on the street.
La industria musical lucha contra los piratas de internet.
B2The music industry fights against internet pirates.
⭐ Usage Tips
Modern Use
This definition extends the idea of 'stealing' from the sea to intellectual property, like movies, music, or designer items.
When describing goods, "pirata" (pirated) refers to items that have been illegally copied or manufactured.
pirata(adjective)
pirated
?describing goods or media
unauthorized
?general illegal activity
,bootleg
?informal term for illegal copy
📝 In Action
Compró una copia pirata de la película en el mercado.
B1He bought a pirated copy of the movie at the market.
Ese taxista es un pirata; no tiene licencia para trabajar.
B2That taxi driver is unauthorized; he doesn't have a license to work. (Figurative: acting like a rogue/outlaw)
💡 Grammar Points
Adjective Agreement
When used as an adjective, 'pirata' is one of those words that stays the same regardless of whether the thing it describes is masculine (software pirata) or feminine (copia pirata). It also stays the same in plural (películas piratas).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Changing the Ending
Mistake: "Usando un software pirato."
Correction: The word is 'pirata' whether the noun is masculine or feminine: 'Usando un software pirata'.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: pirata
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly uses 'pirata' as an adjective describing something illegal?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'pirata' masculine or feminine?
'Pirata' is tricky! It is a noun that ends in '-a' but can refer to either a male ('el pirata') or a female ('la pirata'). As an adjective, it is one of those words that never changes its ending, regardless of the noun's gender or number (e.g., 'productos pirata').
Does 'pirata' only refer to sea robbers?
No. While its original meaning is about sea robbers, today it is much more common to use it to describe someone who copies or sells illegal goods (like movies or software) or to describe the goods themselves (e.g., 'software pirata').