chantaje
/t͡ʃanˈtaxe/masculine
The English word blackmail is translated into Spanish as chantaje. Wiktionary also lists extorsión.
Meaning: extortion of money by threats of public accusation, exposure, or censure (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| chantaje | /t͡ʃanˈtaxe/ | masculine |
| extorsión | /eɡstoɾˈsjon/ | feminine |
The term refers to the extortion of money through threats of public accusation, exposure or censure. A common specific expression is chantaje emocional, which is used to describe psychological manipulation in personal relationships. If you want to refer to the person performing the act, use the noun chantajista.
Which one should you use?
extorsión is a formal term for blackmail in Spanish.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun chantaje is converted into the verb chantajear to describe the act of blackmailing someone.
How do you pronounce it?
/tʃanˈtaxe/
Did you know?
- The word chantaje comes from the French word chanter, which means 'to sing'. In this context, it refers to making someone 'sing' or reveal secrets under pressure.
- In Spanish, the term chantaje emocional is used so broadly that it can describe a simple guilt-trip between family members, whereas 'emotional blackmail' in English usually implies a more severe pathology.
- Using extorsión instead of chantaje often signals to a native speaker that the crime involves physical violence or a direct threat from an organized criminal group.
Examples in context
- Su chantaje me dejó sin elección.His blackmail left me no choice.This sentence shows how chantaje can be used to describe a situation where one is left without options.Tatoeba #1300249 by hayastan, translation #7918377 by fpp
- Os acusa de chantaje a ti y a tu hermano.He's accusing you and your brother of blackmail.This sentence demonstrates how to use chantaje when accusing someone of the act.Tatoeba #8691392 by ajje, translation #8691393 by ajje
- El chantaje fue utilizado para obtener beneficios personalesBlackmail was used to gain personal benefits
- Recibió una carta de extorsión amenazando con revelar su secretoHe received an extortion letter threatening to reveal his secret
- No intentes chantajearme para que haga lo que deseasDon't try to blackmail me into doing what you want
- El chantaje no es un delito sin consecuencias.Blackmail is not a crime without consequences.
Example conversation
Mateo and Elena are discussing a suspicious person at work.
- MateoEse hombre está usando el chantaje contra el jefe.That man is using blackmail against the boss.
- ElenaEso es muy grave, Mateo.That is very serious, Mateo.
- MateoDebemos informar a la policía de inmediato.We must inform the police immediately.
- ElenaTienes razón, no podemos quedarnos de brazos cruzados.You are right, we cannot just sit idly by.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “blackmail” translations and entries chantaje, extorsión, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chantaje, extorsión, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
