Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| pandilla | /panˈdiʝa/ | feminine |
| cuadrilla | /kwaˈdɾiʝa/ | feminine |
A pandilla refers to a group of criminals who band together for mutual protection. However, it is also commonly used to mean a general group or crew. While it can mean a gang, it is also used colloquially in many Spanish-speaking countries to describe a clique or a group of friends.
Which one should you use?
pandilla is the standard, neutral term for a gang. In contrast, cuadrilla is a derogatory way to refer to such a group. While pandilla can refer to a group of friends, other words like banda are more commonly associated with music bands in many Spanish-speaking countries and grupo is a versatile term that can also be used to describe a gang or a group of people involved in illicit activities.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico and other Central American countries, the term maras is sometimes used to refer to gangs specifically associated with organized crime.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both pandilla and cuadrilla are feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/panˈdiʝa/
Did you know?
- The word cuadrilla also describes a professional team of laborers or a group of bullfighters who assist the main matador in the ring.
- The word cuadrilla is derived from cuadro, meaning 'square'. This suggests that the term originally referred to a group organized in a square formation.
- The term cuadrilla is used in traditional Spanish festivals to describe the organized groups that participate in street parades and events.
Examples in context
- Tomás parece ser miembro de una pandilla.Tom seems to be a member of a gang.This sentence is useful for describing someone who appears to be a member of a pandilla.Tatoeba #5054022 by don_ramon, translation #1092978 by CK
- La pandilla estableció su sede en un edificio abandonado.The gang established their base at an abandoned building.This sentence is useful for describing a pandilla establishing a base of operations.Tatoeba #7035969 by Eremon, translation #3922488 by Amastan
- En algunos barrios, los adolescentes se unen a pandillas.In some neighborhoods, adolescents join gangs.
- Las autoridades detuvieron a los miembros de la banda.The authorities arrested the members of the gang.
- Mis amigos y yo formamos una pandilla cuando éramos jóvenes.My friends and I formed a gang when we were young.
- El grupo de ladrones fue finalmente capturado.The gang of thieves was finally captured.
- Ten cuidado en ese barrio, está controlado por maras.Be careful in that neighborhood, it's controlled by maras.
- La policía capturó a la pandilla.The police captured the gang.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a news report about a local crime wave.
- JavierDicen que una pandilla controla este barrio.They say a gang controls this neighborhood.
- MaríaEs muy peligroso caminar por aquí, Javier.It is very dangerous to walk around here, Javier.
- JavierSí, esa pandilla es muy violenta.Yes, that gang is very violent.
- MaríaTenemos que irnos rápido, María.We have to leave quickly, María.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “gang” translations and entries pandilla, cuadrilla, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cuadrilla, pandilla, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
