Inklingo

How to Say "clique" in Spanish

English → Spanish

círculo

nounB1informal
Use 'círculo' for a small, intimate group of friends or associates that is exclusive and somewhat closed off.

Examples

Ella solo confía en su círculo íntimo de amigos.

She only trusts her inner circle of friends.

clan

/klan//klan/

nounB2
Choose 'clan' when referring to a close-knit social group, often with familial ties or a shared history, that maintains exclusivity.
A simple, colorful storybook illustration showing a cohesive group of ten diverse stylized figures, including adults and children, standing closely together on a patch of grass.

Examples

El viejo jefe del clan familiar decidió vender las tierras.

The old chief of the family clan decided to sell the lands.

Hay un clan de programadores muy influyente en esa empresa.

There is a very influential clique of programmers in that company.

Los clanes escoceses tienen una historia rica y compleja.

Scottish clans have a rich and complex history.

Gender Rule

Even though 'clan' ends in 'n' and refers to a group, it is a masculine noun. Always use 'el' or 'un' before it: 'el clan'.

Misgendering the Noun

Mistake: “La clan es muy grande.”

Correction: El clan es muy grande. Remember to use the masculine article 'el'.

mafia

MAH-fya/ˈma.fja/

nounB2informal
Use 'mafia' metaphorically to describe an exclusive and often powerful group that exerts influence or control, especially in a professional or competitive context.
A small group of three people, dressed in luxurious, formal attire, standing close together on a slightly raised platform, symbolizing an exclusive and powerful clique.

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.

Choosing Between 'Círculo' and 'Clan'

Learners often confuse 'círculo' and 'clan' because both describe exclusive groups. Remember that 'círculo' typically refers to a more personal, informal circle of friends, while 'clan' often implies a more established, perhaps familial or inherited, group identity.

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