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How to Say "raid" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “raid” is “redada” — use 'redada' for a general police or military operation, often involving a search or arrest, that is carried out by authorities.

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redada

reh-DAH-dahreˈdaða

nounB1general
Use 'redada' for a general police or military operation, often involving a search or arrest, that is carried out by authorities.
A police car with flashing blue and red lights parked in front of a building entrance at night.

Examples

La policía hizo una redada en el almacén anoche.

The police carried out a raid on the warehouse last night.

Hubo una redada masiva contra el tráfico de drogas.

There was a massive raid against drug trafficking.

Muchos sospechosos escaparon antes de la redada.

Many suspects escaped before the roundup.

Using the right verb

Even though 'redada' is the action, you need a verb to go with it. Usually, we use 'hacer' (to do/make) or 'llevar a cabo' (to carry out) to say 'to conduct a raid'.

Feminine Noun

This word is feminine, so you must always use 'la', 'una', or feminine adjectives like 'una redada inesperada' (an unexpected raid).

Don't say 'raid'

Mistake: “La policía hizo un raid.”

Correction: La policía hizo una redada.

allanamiento

ah-yah-nah-myehn-tohaʝanaˈmjento

nounB2legal/formal
Choose 'allanamiento' specifically when referring to a legal police search of a private property, like a home or office, often with a warrant.
A police officer standing at the open door of a building with a flashlight during a search.

Examples

La policía realizó un allanamiento en la oficina del sospechoso.

The police carried out a raid on the suspect's office.

Fue arrestado por allanamiento de morada después de entrar a la casa sin permiso.

He was arrested for breaking and entering after going into the house without permission.

El juez firmó la orden de allanamiento esta mañana.

The judge signed the search warrant this morning.

Nouns ending in -miento

This word is a noun created from the verb 'allanar.' The suffix '-miento' is like the English '-ment' (think: move to movement). It turns an action into a thing.

Gender Clue

Almost all Spanish nouns ending in '-miento' are masculine, so you will always use 'el' or 'un' with it.

Using it for 'Body Search'

Mistake: “Using 'allanamiento' when the police search a person's pockets.”

Correction: Use 'cacheo' for a body search. 'Allanamiento' specifically refers to entering a place or building.

asalto

a-SAL-tohaˈsalto

nounB2general
Use 'asalto' for a sudden, aggressive attack, particularly one involving force or violence, which could be military or criminal.
Simple illustration of stylized soldiers running up a small dirt hill towards a wooden barricade, representing a military attack.

Examples

El asalto a la fortaleza fue un éxito, pero costó muchas vidas.

The assault on the fortress was a success, but it cost many lives.

Sufrió un asalto de tos en medio de la reunión.

He suffered an onset of coughing during the meeting.

Military Context

In military history or strategy, 'asalto' refers to a concentrated, often final, offensive push.

incursión

nounB2military
Employ 'incursión' to describe a brief, sudden military attack into enemy territory, usually for a specific objective.

Examples

El ejército realizó una incursión nocturna en el campamento enemigo.

The army carried out a night raid on the enemy camp.

Police Raids: Allanamiento vs. Redada

Learners often confuse 'allanamiento' and 'redada' when talking about police actions. 'Redada' is broader, referring to the operation itself, while 'allanamiento' specifically denotes the physical search of a property.

Related Translations

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