Inklingo

How to Say "rascals" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “rascals” is “bandidos” — use 'bandidos' for people of any age who are playfully mischievous or naughty, often in a way that is amusing rather than truly troublesome..

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bandidos

/ban-DEE-dohs//banˈdiðos/

nounB1informal
Use 'bandidos' for people of any age who are playfully mischievous or naughty, often in a way that is amusing rather than truly troublesome.
A mischievous child hiding behind a chair with a playful grin.

Examples

¡Qué bandidos son mis sobrinos! Escondieron mis llaves otra vez.

What rascals my nephews are! They hid my keys again.

Esos perros son unos bandidos, siempre roban comida de la mesa.

Those dogs are such scoundrels, they are always stealing food from the table.

Expressing Affection

In this context, using 'unos' before 'bandidos' makes the description feel more natural and informal.

bichos

/BEE-chohs//ˈbitʃos/

nounB1informal
Choose 'bichos' specifically when referring to mischievous children who are very active and don't stay still.
Two young children with playful expressions hiding behind a wooden fence.

Examples

Tus hijos son unos bichos, no paran quietos.

Your kids are such rascals; they don't sit still.

Describing people

When calling people 'bichos', you usually use the word 'unos' before it (unos bichos) to mean 'some real rascals'.

General vs. Specific Use

The most common mistake is using 'bichos' for adults or 'bandidos' exclusively for children. Remember that 'bandidos' is broader and can apply to anyone playfully naughty, while 'bichos' is specifically for energetic, mischievous kids.

Related Translations

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