How to Say "cabal" in Spanish
The Spanish word for “cabal” is “mafia” — B2 level. This is a very common word in everyday Spanish.
English → SpanishB2
nounB2informal
secretive political group

Examples
Hay una mafia de críticos de cine que decide qué películas ganan premios.
There is a clique of film critics who decide which movies win awards.
Solo los miembros de su pequeña mafia tienen acceso al director.
Only members of his small inner circle have access to the director.
Figurative Use
In this sense, 'mafia' is used metaphorically to exaggerate how powerful, exclusive, and perhaps unfair a non-criminal group is. It implies they operate secretly.
Related Translations
Learn Spanish with Inklingo
Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.