Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| portero | /poɾˈteɾo/ | masculine |
| gorila | /ɡoˈɾila/ | colloquial, masculine |
| patovica | /patoˈbika/ | Argentina, colloquial, masculine |
| sacabullas | /ˌsakaˈbuʝas/ | Mexico, masculine |
| cadenero | /kadeneɾo/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
The term refers to a member of security personnel.
Which one should you use?
While portero is the standard term for a bouncer, it can also refer to a building doorman or a goalkeeper in sports depending on context. Other forms like gorila, patovica, sacabullas and cadenero are specialized terms used in specific regions or informal settings.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Portero is the standard term. Gorila is a slang term used in Spain, often implying they are large or physically imposing. Patovica and sacabullas are also colloquial terms used in specific countries.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, the colloquial term for a bouncer is patovica. In Mexico, the colloquial term for a bouncer is sacabullas.
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine form of portero is portera. The masculine plural form of portero is porteros.
How do you pronounce it?
/poɾˈteɾo/
Did you know?
- In many parts of the Spanish-speaking world, a bouncer is called a cadenero, which literally means 'chain man'. This refers to the person responsible for managing the velvet rope or chain used to control entry to the club.
- The term sacabullas is a literal description of a bouncer's job, combining the verb 'to remove' with 'troubles' or 'ruckuses'.
- The word portero shares its linguistic roots with the word 'door' via the Latin 'porta', making the bouncer a 'door-man'.
Examples in context
- El portero fue acusado de asaltar a un consumidor borracho.The bouncer was accused of assaulting a drunken patron.This sentence shows how to use portero in a legal context.Tatoeba #5956910 by albrusgher, translation #3101231 by patgfisher
- Tom trató de persuadir al portero de dejarlos a él y sus amigos entrar a la discoteca.Tom tried to sweet talk the bouncer into letting them into the club.This sentence shows how to use portero when discussing entry to a club.Tatoeba #6562385 by marcelostockle, translation #6558867 by Hybrid
- Hablé con el portero y me permitió ingresar al club.I spoke with the bouncer and he allowed me to enter the club.
- El gorila nos impidió el ingreso por no cumplir con el código de vestimenta.The bouncer prevented us from entering for not complying with the dress code.
- El portero no dejó pasar al grupo.The bouncer did not let the group in.
Example conversation
Sofía and Javier are standing outside a crowded club.
- JavierSofía, ¿crees que el portero nos deje entrar?Sofía, do you think the bouncer will let us in?
- SofíaNo lo sé, Javier, parece muy serio.I don't know, Javier, he looks very serious.
- JavierVoy a intentar hablar con el portero.I am going to try to talk to the bouncer.
- SofíaTen cuidado con él.Be careful with him.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bouncer” translations and entries portero, gorila, patovica, sacabullas, cadenero, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries gorila, portero, sacabullas, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
