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How to Say "traitor" in Spanish

English → Spanish

traidor

trah-EE-dor/tɾaˈiðoɾ/

nounB1general
Use 'traidor' when referring to someone who has betrayed their country, a group, or friends by revealing secrets or acting against their interests.
A high-quality illustration of a shadowy figure in a cloak handing a golden key to an unseen hand, symbolizing betrayal.

Examples

Lo llamaron traidor por revelar los secretos del equipo.

They called him a traitor for revealing the team's secrets.

La historia está llena de traidores que cambiaron de bando por dinero.

History is full of betrayers who switched sides for money.

Gender Matching

Remember that this word changes based on gender: 'traidor' for a man, and 'traidora' for a woman.

Confusing Noun and Verb

Mistake: “Using 'traidor' when you mean the action of betraying.”

Correction: Use the verb 'traicionar' (to betray) for the action, and 'traidor' for the person: 'Él traicionó a su amigo' (He betrayed his friend).

prostituta

proh-stee-TOO-tah/prostiˈtuta/

nounC2figurative
Use 'prostituta' figuratively to describe someone who betrays their ideals or principles, often for power, money, or other personal benefits, implying they have 'sold out'.
An illustration of a simplified character gleefully holding a large bag of money and turning their back on a glowing, symbolic heart lying on the ground, representing the betrayal of principles.

Examples

El periodista calificó al líder como una prostituta del poder.

The journalist labeled the leader as a sellout to power.

Para muchos, la nueva ley es una prostituta de los intereses corporativos.

For many, the new law is a betrayal of corporate interests (literally: a prostitute of corporate interests).

Figurative Use

This meaning is metaphorical and highly derogatory. It implies that a person or institution has 'sold' their integrity or principles for money or influence.

Figurative vs. Literal Betrayal

The most common mistake is using 'prostituta' when you mean a literal traitor. Remember, 'prostituta' is a strong, figurative term for someone who compromises their values, while 'traidor' is the standard word for someone who betrays trust or loyalty.

Related Translations

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