robo
“robo” means “robbery” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
robbery, theft
Also: stick-up
📝 In Action
Hubo un robo en el banco anoche.
A2There was a robbery at the bank last night.
El robo de mi cartera fue una experiencia horrible.
B1The theft of my wallet was a horrible experience.
La policía está investigando el robo de arte.
B2The police are investigating the art theft.
I steal
Also: I rob
📝 In Action
Yo no robo, soy una persona honesta.
A1I don't steal, I am an honest person.
Si robo tiempo de mi almuerzo, puedo terminar antes.
B1If I steal time from my lunch break, I can finish earlier. (Figurative use)
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: robo
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'robo' as a person describing their current actions?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
This word comes from the verb 'robar' (to steal), which has deep roots in Germanic languages, specifically from the Gothic word *raubôn*, meaning 'to plunder' or 'to seize.' The noun 'robo' developed naturally from the action word.
First recorded: Medieval period (in Spanish)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if 'robo' means 'theft' (noun) or 'I steal' (verb)?
Look at the surrounding words. If 'robo' follows 'el,' 'un,' or 'este,' it's the noun ('el robo'). If it follows 'yo' or is at the beginning of a sentence referring to 'I,' it's the verb ('Yo robo').
What is the difference between 'robo' and 'hurto'?
'Robo' usually involves force, violence, or intimidation (like a mugging). 'Hurto' means stealing without confrontation (like sneaking something from a shop or pocket).