Inklingo

How to Say "gang" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “gang” is “banda” — use 'banda' for a general criminal group, often involved in organized crime like theft or smuggling, but not necessarily at the highest level of a cartel..

banda🔊B1

Use 'banda' for a general criminal group, often involved in organized crime like theft or smuggling, but not necessarily at the highest level of a cartel.

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pandilla🔊B1

Choose 'pandilla' for a criminal organization, particularly when referring to street gangs or smaller, more localized criminal groups.

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cartel🔊B2

Use 'cartel' specifically for a large, powerful, and highly organized criminal gang, most commonly associated with drug trafficking.

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manada🔊C1

Employ 'manada' to describe a large, unruly, and often aggressive group of people, similar to a 'horde' or 'mob,' not necessarily criminal.

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anillo🔊C1

Opt for 'anillo' when referring to a clandestine group or network involved in illegal activities, often with a more secretive or organized structure.

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English → Spanish

banda

/BAHN-dah//ˈbanda/

NounB1General/Informal
Use 'banda' for a general criminal group, often involved in organized crime like theft or smuggling, but not necessarily at the highest level of a cartel.
A group of three figures wearing dark clothing and masks, huddled together secretly.

Examples

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.

pandilla

pahn-DEE-yah/panˈdiʎa/

NounB1General/Informal
Choose 'pandilla' for a criminal organization, particularly when referring to street gangs or smaller, more localized criminal groups.
A small, intimidating group of four figures standing closely together in a dimly lit alleyway, looking serious and unified.

Examples

La policía capturó al líder de la pandilla.

The police captured the leader of the gang.

Hubo un enfrentamiento entre dos pandillas rivales en el barrio.

There was a confrontation between two rival gangs in the neighborhood.

cartel

/kar-TEL//kaɾˈtel/

NounB2Formal/Specific
Use 'cartel' specifically for a large, powerful, and highly organized criminal gang, most commonly associated with drug trafficking.
A clandestine meeting of three figures wearing simple dark suits, standing close together and exchanging a plain black briefcase in a dimly lit, secretive setting.

Examples

Las autoridades lograron desmantelar el cartel de drogas.

The authorities managed to dismantle the drug cartel.

El líder del cartel fue capturado en la frontera.

The leader of the cartel was captured at the border.

Shared Terminology

This meaning is a cognate, meaning it sounds similar and has the same meaning in English. It refers to a powerful, often illegal, organization.

manada

/mah-NAH-dah//maˈnaða/

NounC1Informal/Figurative
Employ 'manada' to describe a large, unruly, and often aggressive group of people, similar to a 'horde' or 'mob,' not necessarily criminal.
A dense collection of many stylized, diverse human figures standing shoulder-to-shoulder, illustrating a large, unorganized crowd.

Examples

Una manada de turistas invadió la plaza, gritando y haciendo fotos.

A horde of tourists invaded the square, shouting and taking photos.

Se movieron como una manada, sin escuchar a nadie.

They moved like a pack (or mob), without listening to anyone.

anillo

ah-NEE-yoh/aˈniʎo/

NounC1Formal/Figurative
Opt for 'anillo' when referring to a clandestine group or network involved in illegal activities, often with a more secretive or organized structure.
A group of three shadowy figures standing close together in a circle in a dark setting, suggesting a secretive criminal organization.

Examples

La policía desmanteló un anillo de contrabando de arte antiguo.

The police dismantled a ring for smuggling ancient art.

El anillo operaba desde un almacén abandonado en las afueras.

The syndicate operated from an abandoned warehouse on the outskirts.

Criminal vs. General Groups

Learners often confuse 'banda' and 'pandilla' as they both refer to criminal groups. Generally, 'banda' is a broader term for a criminal group, while 'pandilla' can imply a more localized or street-level gang. Avoid using 'manada' or 'anillo' for standard criminal gangs; these have more specific, often figurative, meanings.

Related Translations

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