Inklingo

How to Say "extortion" in Spanish

English → Spanish

chantaje

/chan-TA-heh//t͡ʃanˈtaxe/

nounB2general
Use 'chantaje' when the extortion involves threatening to reveal embarrassing or damaging information unless a demand is met, often in a more personal or targeted context.
A shadowed figure holding a mysterious envelope while pointing a finger at a nervous person in a high quality storybook illustration style.

Examples

El chantaje al político involucraba fotos comprometedoras.

The blackmail of the politician involved compromising photos.

El político fue víctima de un chantaje.

The politician was a victim of blackmail.

No voy a ceder a tu chantaje emocional.

I am not going to give in to your emotional blackmail.

Me están haciendo chantaje para que no diga la verdad.

They are blackmailing me so that I don't tell the truth.

Using 'Chantaje' as an Action

Since 'chantaje' is a thing (a noun), we use the verb 'hacer' (to do/make) with it to say someone is blackmailing another person: 'hacer chantaje a alguien'.

Blackmail as a Verb

Mistake: “Using 'chantaje' as a verb like in English.”

Correction: Use the actual verb 'chantajear' for the action, or 'hacer chantaje'. Don't say 'Yo chantaje tú'.

extorsión

nounB2general
Use 'extorsión' for more general or severe forms of extortion, especially those involving threats of violence, illegal demands by authorities, or organized criminal activity.

Examples

La banda fue arrestada por extorsión a comerciantes locales.

The gang was arrested for extortion of local merchants.

Chantaje vs. Extorsión

Learners often confuse 'chantaje' and 'extorsión'. While 'extorsión' is a direct cognate and covers many cases, 'chantaje' specifically refers to blackmail, often involving exposing secrets. Think of 'chantaje' as a specific type of 'extorsión'.

Related Translations

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