Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| matón | /maˈton/ | |
| bravucón | /bɾabuˈkon/ | masculine |
| abusón | /abuˈson/ | masculine |
| peleón | /peleˈon/ | masculine |
| pendenciero | /pendenˈθjeɾo/ /pendenˈsjeɾo/ |
masculine |
| matasiete | /ˌmataˈsjete/ | masculine |
| buleador | /buleadoɾ/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| bully (buli) | feminine, masculine |
The term for 'bully' varies depending on the specific behavior being described. While matón is a common way to refer to a person who is a bully, it is also frequently used to describe a thug or a henchman. To describe the actual act of bullying or harassing someone, use the verb acosar.
Which one should you use?
Spanish offers several nuances for a bully: use matón for someone who uses physical intimidation or violence, abusón for someone who takes advantage of others or oversteps social boundaries and bravucón for a 'tough guy' who acts more brave than he actually is.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For formal contexts, you can use acosador to mean a bully or tirano to refer to a bully whose behavior resembles that of a despot. In informal settings, matón is commonly used. The term buleador is a slang term derived from Spanglish.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Buleador is a Spanglish-derived term used in some informal contexts.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine form of matón is matona, and the plural form is matones. The term bully (buli) can be used as both a masculine and feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/maˈton/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, matón is used to describe a professional hired hitman or a gang enforcer rather than just a schoolyard bully.
- The word matón is built from the verb 'matar', which means 'to kill'.
- The suffix '-uco' in bravucón often carries a slightly derogatory or diminutive connotation, suggesting the person is a 'fake' or 'pretend' version of the root word.
Examples in context
- Ve y dale una paliza a ese matón.Go and beat up that bully.This sentence shows how to use matón when talking about a person who is a bully.Tatoeba #852937 by artukai, translation #68738 by CK
- ¡No toleraremos el acoso escolar!We will not tolerate bullying!
- Ella es una matona y siempre quiere tener el control.She is a bully and always wants to be in control.
- No seas un intimidador, respeta a los demás.Don't be a bully, respect others.
- Ese matón asusta a los niños pequeños.That bully scares the small children.
- No seas un matón con tus compañeros.Don't be a bully to your classmates.
Example conversation
Sofia and Daniel are talking about a classmate.
- SofíaDaniel, ¿viste lo que hizo ese matón?Daniel, did you see what that bully did?
- DanielSí, es muy cruel con todos.Yes, he is very cruel to everyone.
- SofíaTenemos que avisar al profesor ahora.We have to tell the teacher now.
- DanielTienes razón, vamos juntos.You are right, let's go together.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bully” translations and entries matón, bravucón, abusón, peleón, pendenciero, matasiete, 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 bravucón, matón, peleón, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
