How to Say "robber" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “robber” is “ladrón” — use 'ladrón' for a general thief who steals, whether by force or stealth, and often in a less organized or dramatic way than a 'bandido'. This is the most common, all-purpose word for a thief.
English → Spanish
ladrón
NounB1General
Use 'ladrón' for a general thief who steals, whether by force or stealth, and often in a less organized or dramatic way than a 'bandido'. This is the most common, all-purpose word for a thief.
Examples
El ladrón entró por la ventana de la cocina.
The thief entered through the kitchen window.
bandido
bahn-DEE-dohbanˈdiðo
nounB1General
Use 'bandido' when referring to a robber who operates by force, often as part of a gang or in a more dramatic, outlaw-like manner, such as robbing a stagecoach or bank.
Examples
Los bandidos asaltaron el tren en el desierto.
The bandits robbed the train in the desert.
En las películas antiguas, el bandido siempre lleva una máscara.
In old movies, the bandit always wears a mask.
Naming people
This word is a name for a person (a noun). Even though it ends in -o, you use 'el' before it: 'el bandido'.
General Thief vs. Forceful Outlaw
The main confusion is between the general term 'ladrón' and the more specific 'bandido'. Learners often use 'bandido' for any thief, but it's best reserved for those who steal with significant force or belong to a criminal group, like outlaws. 'Ladrón' is the safer, more frequent choice for everyday theft.
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