Inklingo

How to Say "bunch" in Spanish

English → Spanish

grupo

GROO-pohˈɡɾupo

NounA1informal
Use 'grupo' for a general, informal collection of items or people when the specific type of grouping isn't important.
A collection of three bright red apples sitting closely together on a flat surface, representing a general group of things.

Examples

Un grupo de turistas espera el autobús.

A group of tourists is waiting for the bus.

Hay un grupo de llaves sobre la mesa.

There is a bunch of keys on the table.

Vamos a trabajar en grupos de tres personas.

We are going to work in groups of three people.

One Group IS, Not ARE

Even though a 'grupo' has many members, Spanish treats the word itself as one single thing. So, you use the singular form of the verb. For example, say 'El grupo es grande' (The group is big), not 'El grupo son grande'.

atajo

ah-TAH-hoaˈtaxo

nounB2informal
Use 'atajo' specifically when referring to a negative or undesirable group of people, often implying they are troublesome or untrustworthy.
A small group of colorful balloons tied together with a single string.

Examples

¡Eran un atajo de mentirosos!

They were a bunch of liars!

Vimos un atajo de cabras cruzando el monte.

We saw a pack of goats crossing the hill.

Negative Connotation

When used with people, this word is almost always an insult, similar to calling a group a 'pack' or a 'gang'.

Careful with context

Mistake: “Mi atajo de amigos es bueno.”

Correction: Mi grupo de amigos es bueno. (Using 'atajo' here sounds like you are insulting your friends).

tropa

tro-pahˈtɾopa

nounB1informal
Use 'tropa' for a group of people, especially when referring to a casual gathering or a 'gang' that arrives together, often without prior arrangement.
A group of happy children playing together in a park.

Examples

Llegó toda la tropa a mi casa sin avisar.

The whole gang arrived at my house without warning.

¿A dónde vas con esa tropa de niños?

Where are you going with that bunch of kids?

Informal Groupings

Using 'tropa' for a group of friends implies they are a bit rowdy, noisy, or just numerous.

ramo

RAH-mohˈramo

nounA1
Use 'ramo' exclusively for a small cluster of flowers, herbs, or branches, like a bouquet.
A colorful bouquet of various flowers tied together with a simple ribbon.

Examples

El novio le entregó un ramo de rosas a la novia.

The groom handed a bouquet of roses to the bride.

Compré un ramo de flores frescas en el mercado.

I bought a bouquet of fresh flowers at the market.

Necesito un ramo de perejil para la sopa.

I need a bunch of parsley for the soup.

Always Masculine

Even though it often refers to flowers (flores, which is feminine), the word 'ramo' is always masculine. Use 'un ramo' or 'el ramo'.

Ramo vs. Rama

Mistake: “Veo un ramo en el árbol.”

Correction: Veo una rama en el árbol.

Choosing between 'grupo' and 'atajo'

Learners often confuse 'grupo' and 'atajo' because both can refer to a group of people. Remember that 'atajo' carries a negative connotation, implying a disreputable or troublesome crowd, while 'grupo' is neutral.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.