How to Say "crew" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “crew” is “equipo” — use 'equipo' for any group of people working together on a task, like a sports team, a film crew, or a project team.
equipo
eh-KEE-poheˈkipo
Examples
El equipo de filmación trabajó hasta tarde.
The film crew worked late into the night.
Mi equipo de fútbol favorito juega hoy.
My favorite soccer team plays today.
Trabajamos muy bien como equipo en la oficina.
We work very well as a team at the office.
El equipo de rescate ayudó a los montañistas.
The rescue team helped the mountaineers.
Always Masculine: 'El Equipo'
'Equipo' is a masculine word, so you always use 'el' or 'un' with it. This is true even if the team is made up of all women. For example, 'el equipo femenino' (the women's team).
'Equipo' vs. 'Grupo'
Mistake: “Voy a la playa con mi equipo de amigos.”
Correction: Voy a la playa con mi grupo de amigos. 'Equipo' implies people working together for a common goal (like winning a game or finishing a project). 'Grupo' is just a general collection of people.
tripulación
Examples
La tripulación del avión nos dio instrucciones de seguridad.
The plane's crew gave us safety instructions.
pandilla
pahn-DEE-yahpanˈdiʎa
Examples
Mi pandilla y yo nos reunimos los sábados.
My crew and I get together on Saturdays.
Mi pandilla y yo vamos al cine todos los viernes.
My group of friends and I go to the movies every Friday.
Éramos una pandilla de niños jugando en el parque hasta tarde.
We were a bunch of kids playing in the park until late.
Always Feminine
Remember that 'pandilla' is always treated as feminine (la pandilla), even if the group consists only of men.
banda
BAHN-dahˈbanda
Examples
Una banda de ladrones asaltó la tienda.
A gang of thieves robbed the store.
La policía desmanteló una banda dedicada al robo de coches.
The police broke up a gang dedicated to car theft.
Toda la banda se reunió para ver el partido en casa de Lucas.
The whole crew (or 'bunch of friends') met up to watch the game at Lucas's house.
tropa
tro-pahˈtɾopa
Examples
Toda la tropa vino a mi fiesta sorpresa.
The whole gang came to my surprise party.
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.
brigada
bree-GAH-dahbɾiˈɣaða
Examples
La brigada de bomberos controló el incendio.
The fire crew controlled the blaze.
La brigada de limpieza llegó a las seis de la mañana.
The cleaning crew arrived at six in the morning.
Necesitamos una brigada de voluntarios para pintar la escuela.
We need a team of volunteers to paint the school.
El jefe de brigada revisó el plan de trabajo.
The team leader reviewed the work plan.
Feminine Noun
Even though a 'brigada' is often made up of men and women, the word itself is always feminine, so you must use 'la brigada' or 'una brigada'.
dotación
Examples
La dotación del submarino realizó maniobras de entrenamiento.
The submarine's crew carried out training maneuvers.
escuadrón
Examples
Un escuadrón de policía investigó la escena.
A police squad investigated the scene.
panda
PAN-dahˈpan.da
Examples
Voy a la playa con mi panda este fin de semana.
I'm going to the beach with my crew this weekend.
Salí a cenar con toda mi panda.
I went out to dinner with my whole gang of friends.
Esa panda de gamberros siempre hace ruido.
That bunch of hooligans is always making noise.
No te juntes con esa panda, no son buena influencia.
Don't hang out with that crew; they aren't a good influence.
Singular Word, Multiple People
Even though 'panda' refers to a group of people, the word itself is singular. You should say 'la panda es...' not 'la panda son...'
Positive vs. Negative
Mistake: “Using it formally.”
Correction: This meaning of 'panda' is informal and can sometimes be insulting (like 'a bunch of...'). Use 'grupo' if you want to be polite.
tribu
TREE-booˈtɾiβu
Examples
Mi tribu de la universidad siempre se mantiene en contacto.
My university crew always stays in touch.
Me voy de vacaciones con mi tribu de amigos de la universidad.
I'm going on vacation with my crew of friends from the university.
Cada uno tiene su propia tribu urbana: los góticos, los hipsters...
Everyone has their own urban tribe (subculture): the Goths, the hipsters...
Metaphorical Use
In modern Spanish, 'tribu' often implies a sense of deep loyalty and shared identity, much like the English phrase 'my people' or 'my crew'.
Informal Friends vs. Working Groups
Related Translations
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