How to Say "intruder" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “intruder” is “intruso” — use 'intruso' for someone who enters a place, like a house or garden, without permission, often with the implication of unwanted or illicit entry.
Use 'intruso' for someone who enters a place, like a house or garden, without permission, often with the implication of unwanted or illicit entry.
Learn more →Use 'espontáneo' for someone who unexpectedly appears or interrupts an event, especially a public performance or sporting match, without authorization.
Learn more →een-TROO-soinˈtɾuso
Examples
Las cámaras de seguridad detectaron a un intruso en el jardín.
The security cameras detected an intruder in the garden.
No quiero parecer un intruso, pero me gustaría ayudar en la reunión.
I don't want to seem like an interloper, but I'd like to help in the meeting.
Matching Gender
Use 'intruso' for a male and 'intrusa' for a female. If you are talking about a group of both men and women, use 'intrusos'.
Using 'intruso' for software
Mistake: “Using 'intruso' to mean computer spyware.”
Correction: While an intruder might use spyware, the software itself is usually called 'programa espía' or 'malware'.
espontáneo
Examples
Un espontáneo saltó al campo durante la final.
A pitch invader jumped onto the field during the final.
General vs. Specific Context
Learners often use 'intruso' for all situations where someone enters without permission. Remember that 'espontáneo' is specifically for unexpected, uninvited appearances at events, like a fan running onto a sports field, not for someone breaking into a home.
Related Translations
Learn Spanish with Inklingo
Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.