bandido
/bɐ̃ˈd͡ʒi.du/masculine
The Portuguese word for bandit is bandido. It is also spelled fora de lei. Wiktionary also lists fora da lei.
Meaning: an outlaw (noun)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| bandido | /bɐ̃ˈd͡ʒi.du/ (Brazil) /bɐ̃ˈdi.du/ (Portugal) |
masculine |
| fora da lei | /ˈfɔ.ɾɐ da ˈlej/ (Brazil) /ˈfɔ.ɾɐ dɐ ˈlɐj/ (Portugal) |
|
| fora de lei | /ˈfɔ.ɾɐ d͡ʒi ˈlej/ (Brazil) /ˈfɔ.ɾɐ dɨ ˈlɐj/ (Portugal) |
alternative form |
The term is used to refer to an outlaw or a criminal. While bandido is the most common and everyday term for a bandit or criminal, you may also encounter other terms depending on the specific nuance or setting you wish to convey.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase fora da lei literally means out of the law.
Which one should you use?
Bandido is the standard, everyday term for a bandit or criminal, whereas fora da lei is a more descriptive term meaning an outlaw.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some regions of Portugal, the term salteador is used to describe a bandit or highwayman.
How does it change in a sentence?
The default masculine form is bandido, and the feminine form is bandida.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /bɐ̃ˈdʒi.du/ and has three syllables, with the stress on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- In certain colloquial contexts, calling someone a bandido can refer to someone who is 'smooth' or a 'player' in romantic pursuits.
- The word bandido is an Italian loanword, specifically from the Italian term bandito, which originally referred to someone who was 'proclaimed' or 'banished'.
- The word fora in the phrase fora da lei has a hidden linguistic double life. It can mean 'outside' as in 'outside the law', but it is also a past form of the verb 'to be'.
Examples in context
- Ele é um bandido experiente.He's an experienced bandit.This sentence is useful for describing an experienced bandit using bandido.Tatoeba #8239766 by josivangoncalves, translation #8093126 by AlanF_US
- Com uma imprudência audaciosa, o famoso bandido despista uma equipa de detetives e, assistido por apenas três companheiros, rouba 10.000 $.With dare-devil recklessness the notorious bandit eludes a posse of detectives and, assisted by only three companions, steals $10,000.This sentence illustrates a notorious bandit eluding detectives using bandido.Tatoeba #11844607 by Cangarejo, translation #11844605 by Cangarejo
- Os criminosos fugiram com o dinheiro do banco.The bandits fled with the bank's money.
- O bandido fugiu pela floresta.The bandit escaped through the forest.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a news report about a crime.
- MarianaViste o que aconteceu no jornal?Did you see what happened on the news?
- FelipeSim, aquele bandido foi muito perigoso.Yes, that bandit was very dangerous.
- MarianaA polícia ainda o está a procurar.The police are still looking for him.
- FelipeEspero que ele seja preso logo.I hope he is arrested soon.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bandit” translations and entries bandido, fora da lei, fora de lei, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bandido, da, de, fora, lei, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
