Inklingo

How to Say "mob" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “mob” is “multitud” — use this for a large, often excited or unruly gathering of people, similar to 'crowd' or 'throng,' which can sometimes carry a negative connotation..

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multitud

mool-tee-TOOD/multiˈtuð/

nounB1general
Use this for a large, often excited or unruly gathering of people, similar to 'crowd' or 'throng,' which can sometimes carry a negative connotation.
A dense gathering of many stylized, colorful human figures standing shoulder-to-shoulder, representing a crowd.

Examples

La multitud gritaba de emoción cuando el equipo ganó.

The crowd was shouting with excitement when the team won.

La policía tuvo que dispersar a la multitud de manifestantes.

The police had to disperse the crowd of protesters.

Había una multitud tan grande que era imposible caminar.

There was such a large crowd that it was impossible to walk.

Singular Noun, Plural Idea

Even though 'multitud' refers to many people, it is a single, feminine noun, so you use 'la' and the verbs are conjugated in the singular form (e.g., 'La multitud estaba feliz').

pandilla

pahn-DEE-yah/panˈdiʎa/

nounB1informal
This refers to a specific, organized group of criminals, a 'gang,' often involved in illegal activities.
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.

mafia

MAH-fya/ˈma.fja/

nounB1general
Use this exclusively for an organized international criminal organization, particularly the Italian-American or Sicilian versions.
Three serious figures wearing dark suits and fedoras are sitting around a large, dimly lit table, suggesting a secret meeting of an organized crime group.

Examples

La policía arrestó a varios líderes de la mafia siciliana.

The police arrested several leaders of the Sicilian mafia.

Dicen que el negocio está controlado por la mafia.

They say the business is controlled by the mob.

Gender Check

Even though the word ends in '-a', remember that 'mafia' is always a feminine noun, so you must use 'la' before it: 'la mafia'.

Using the wrong article

Mistake: “El mafia es peligrosa.”

Correction: La mafia es peligrosa. (Always use the feminine article 'la'.)

manada

/mah-NAH-dah//maˈnaða/

nounC1informal
Choose this for a large, disorganized, and often unruly mass of people, emphasizing their lack of order and control, like a 'horde' or 'swarm.'
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.

Criminal Groups vs. Crowds

The most common error is confusing the terms for criminal groups ('pandilla,' 'mafia') with terms for disorderly crowds ('multitud,' 'manada'). Remember 'pandilla' and 'mafia' refer to organized crime, while 'multitud' and 'manada' describe large, uncontrolled gatherings of people.

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