How to Say "bootlegger" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “bootlegger” is “contrabandista” — use this term for someone who illegally traffics in goods, especially alcohol or other controlled substances, across borders or in violation of regulations.
Use this term for someone who illegally traffics in goods, especially alcohol or other controlled substances, across borders or in violation of regulations.
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This word specifically refers to someone selling illegal copies of copyrighted material like music, movies, or software.
Learn more →kon-tra-ban-DEES-tahkontɾaβanˈdista
Examples
El contrabandista fue arrestado intentando vender whisky ilegal.
The bootlegger was arrested trying to sell illegal whiskey.
El contrabandista cruzó la frontera en medio de la noche.
The smuggler crossed the border in the middle of the night.
La policía detuvo a una contrabandista de perfumes caros.
The police arrested a smuggler of expensive perfumes.
Muchos contrabandistas operaban en esta costa hace cien años.
Many smugglers used to operate on this coast a hundred years ago.
The '-ista' Gender Rule
Words ending in '-ista' don't change their ending for men or women. You only change the word for 'the' or 'a'. So, it's 'el contrabandista' for a man and 'la contrabandista' for a woman.
Using it as an Adjective
Even though it is usually a person, you can use it to describe things related to smuggling, like 'actividad contrabandista' (smuggling activity).
Avoid 'Contrabandisto'
Mistake: “El contrabandisto fue capturado.”
Correction: El contrabandista fue capturado. Words ending in -ista never change to -isto for men.
pee-RAH-tahpiˈɾata
Examples
Los piratas venden CDs y DVDs falsificados en el mercado negro.
The bootleggers sell counterfeit CDs and DVDs on the black market.
Hay muchos piratas vendiendo copias falsas en la calle.
There are many pirates selling fake copies on the street.
La industria musical lucha contra los piratas de internet.
The music industry fights against internet pirates.
Contrabandista vs. Pirata
Learners often confuse these terms by using 'contrabandista' for any illegal goods. Remember that 'pirata' is the precise word for selling copied media, while 'contrabandista' is broader and often implies trafficking physical goods like alcohol or drugs.
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