pillado
/piʝado/from spelling rules
The English phrase "busted" can be translated into Spanish as pillado.
The term is used to describe someone who has been caught, caught off guard or caught doing something wrong. You can also use the interjection ¡Pillado! to exclaim "Busted!" when someone is caught doing something wrong.
Meaning: caught in the act (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word comes from the verb pillar, which literally means to catch, grab or snag something.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective or past participle, the form must agree with the person or people being described. Use pillado for a male, pillada for a female, pillados for a group of men or a mixed group and pilladas for a group of only females.
How do you pronounce it?
/piʝado/
Did you know?
- While pillado means 'busted', the noun pillo refers to a sly person or a mischievous child and is often used as an affectionate term similar to 'rascal'.
- In Spain, the verb pillar is often used to describe catching a bus or train, just as an English speaker would say they need to 'catch' a ride.
- The verb pillar can also be used in a colloquial sense to mean 'to realize' or 'to understand' a specific point or joke in some dialects.
Examples in context
- Fue descubierto robando dineroHe was caught stealing money
- El ladrón fue sorprendido en flagrante delitoThe thief was caught in the act
- Lo pillé copiando en el examenI caught him cheating on the exam
- Mi hermana me agarró diciendo mentirasMy sister caught me lying
- Fue pillado comiendo dulces a escondidas.He was busted eating sweets in secret.
Example conversation
María catches Alejandro eating the last piece of cake.
- MaríaTe vi, Alejandro. Estás pillado.I saw you, Alejandro. You're busted.
- AlejandroNo fue mi intención comerlo.I didn't mean to eat it.
- MaríaTienes crema en la cara.You have cream on your face.
- AlejandroEstá bien, me rindo.Alright, I give up.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
