What is the difference between "asalto", "atraco", "retraso" in Spanish?

The English word 'hold-up' can translate to Spanish in a few ways, depending on the specific situation. While some terms refer to a robbery, another refers to a delay or obstruction.

How to Say "hold-up" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “hold-up” is “asalto” — use 'asalto' for a general robbery, especially of a bank or store, without specific mention of a weapon..

asalto🔊A2

Use 'asalto' for a general robbery, especially of a bank or store, without specific mention of a weapon.

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atraco🔊B1

Choose 'atraco' when the 'hold-up' specifically involves the use or threat of a weapon.

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retraso🔊A1

Use 'retraso' when 'hold-up' refers to a delay or something causing a slowdown, like traffic or a flight issue.

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English → Spanish

asalto

/a-SAL-toh//aˈsalto/

nounA2

Use 'asalto' for a general robbery, especially of a bank or store, without specific mention of a weapon.

A masked figure, wearing black gloves, quickly snatching a bag of money from an open window of a building.

Examples

El asalto al banco ocurrió a plena luz del día.

The bank robbery happened in broad daylight.

La policía está investigando el asalto en la joyería.

The police are investigating the hold-up at the jewelry store.

Masculine Noun

Remember that 'asalto' is always masculine, so you must use 'el asalto' or 'un asalto'.

Confusing Noun and Verb

Mistake: “No digas 'asalto' cuando quieres decir 'robar' (the verb).”

Correction: Use 'asalto' for the event (the robbery), and 'asaltar' for the action (to rob).

See full entry for “asalto” →

atraco

/ah-TRAH-koh//aˈtɾako/

nounB1

Choose 'atraco' when the 'hold-up' specifically involves the use or threat of a weapon.

A masked figure running away with a bag of money marked with a currency symbol.

Examples

La policía llegó cinco minutos después del atraco al banco.

The police arrived five minutes after the bank robbery.

Fue un atraco a mano armada, pero afortunadamente nadie salió herido.

It was an armed robbery, but fortunately no one was hurt.

Atraco vs. Robo

While both mean stealing, 'atraco' almost always implies that the victim was present and threatened with force. A 'robo' can be someone stealing your wallet while you aren't looking.

Using it as a verb

Mistake: “Yo atraco la tienda.”

Correction: Yo atraco is technically the 'I' form of the verb, but usually people mean the noun. To say 'The robbery,' use 'El atraco.'

See full entry for “atraco” →

retraso

/rreh-TRAH-soh//reˈtɾaso/

nounA1

Use 'retraso' when 'hold-up' refers to a delay or something causing a slowdown, like traffic or a flight issue.

A person in a yellow raincoat waits forlornly at an empty bus stop while a large snail slowly crawls across their boot.

Examples

El vuelo a Madrid sufrió un retraso de dos horas.

The flight to Madrid suffered a two-hour delay.

Lamento el retraso, el tráfico estaba terrible en la carretera.

I apologize for the delay, the traffic was terrible on the highway.

Si hay un retraso en el pago de la factura, le cobrarán intereses.

If there is a delay in the payment of the bill, they will charge you interest.

Using Prepositions

To say something is 'late' or 'delayed,' you often use the preposition 'con': 'Llegó con retraso' (He arrived late/with delay).

Preposition Error

Mistake: “El tren viene 'en' retraso.”

Correction: The correct phrase is 'El tren viene 'con' retraso' or 'El tren está retrasado' (using the adjective form). Use 'con' for the noun 'retraso'.

See full entry for “retraso” →

Robbery vs. Delay

The most common mistake is using a word for robbery ('asalto' or 'atraco') when you actually mean a delay or obstruction ('retraso'). Always consider if the 'hold-up' is a crime or simply a slowdown.

Related Translations

robbery→assault→daylight robbery→delay→developmental delay→heist→lag→lateness→

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