How to Say "to blackmail" in Spanish
The Spanish word for “to blackmail” is “chantajear” — B1 level.
Examples
No puedes chantajear a tu hermano para que haga tu tarea.
You can't blackmail your brother into doing your homework.
El delincuente intentó chantajear al empresario con unas fotos.
The criminal tried to blackmail the businessman with some photos.
A veces, las parejas se chantajean emocionalmente sin darse cuenta.
Sometimes, couples emotionally manipulate each other without realizing it.
Using the Personal 'a'
When you blackmail a specific person, you must put the word 'a' before them. For example: 'Chantajeó a su jefe' (He blackmailed his boss).
It's Perfectly Regular
Good news! This verb follows the exact same pattern as 'hablar' or 'cantar' in every single tense.
The Missing 'a'
Mistake: “Chantajeó el político.”
Correction: Chantajeó al político. Remember, when the 'receiver' of the action is a person, Spanish needs that little 'a'.
Related Translations
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