atraco
/aˈtɾako/masculine
The English word heist is translated into Spanish as atraco or robo.
Meaning: a robbery or burglary (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| atraco | /aˈtɾako/ | masculine |
| robo | /ˈrobo/ | masculine |
Both terms refer to the act of a robbery or burglary. If you wish to describe the action of stealing or robbing something, you can use the related verb robar.
Which one should you use?
atraco and robo are both masculine nouns used to describe the crime itself.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the term asalto is commonly used to mean robbery.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/aˈtɾako/
Did you know?
- While atraco describes a heist, the verb atracar is also used in a completely different context to mean mooring a ship at a dock.
- In Spain, if a robbery is committed by a gang using high-tech methods or organized planning, it is often referred to as a golpe, which literally means 'a blow' or 'a hit'.
- The word atraco may have unexpected roots in the Arabic word taraqqā, which relates to the idea of ascending or climbing.
Examples in context
- Un gánster no haría eso. Este es un atraco de poca monta.A gangster wouldn't do that. This heist is small-time.This sentence is useful for showing how to describe a small-time atraco.Tatoeba #13457562 by Seael, translation #13457402 by Myrano_
- Los ladrones llevaron a cabo un atraco espectacular en el banco.The thieves carried out a spectacular heist at the bank.
- Anoche escuché en las noticias acerca de un robo en la joyería del centro.Last night, I heard on the news about a heist at the downtown jewelry store.
- Los delincuentes entraron por la ventana y realizaron un asalto a mano armada en la tienda de conveniencia.The criminals entered through the window and carried out an armed robbery at the convenience store.
- La policía investiga el atraco al banco.The police are investigating the bank heist.
- Fue un atraco muy rápido y organizado.It was a very quick and organized robbery.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a news report in a cafe.
- Mateo¿Viste la noticia sobre el atraco?Did you see the news about the heist?
- MaríaNo, ¿qué pasó?No, what happened?
- MateoHubo un atraco en la joyería de la esquina.There was a robbery at the jewelry store on the corner.
- María¡Qué miedo!How scary!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “heist” translations and entries atraco, robo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries atraco, robo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
