Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| sicario | /siˈkaɾjo/ | masculine |
| asesino a sueldo | /aseˌsino a ˈsweldo/ | masculine |
The term hitman can be expressed in several ways depending on the context. Sicario is a specific noun frequently used when discussing organized crime and drug cartels. For a more descriptive approach, you can use asesino a sueldo, which refers to a hired assassin. Other related terms include ejecutor, which is a formal way to refer to someone who carries out an execution and matón, an informal term that can denote a thug or a bully.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase asesino a sueldo literally translates to 'killer on a salary' or 'killer for a wage'.
Which one should you use?
While asesino a sueldo is a descriptive phrase, sicario is a more specific noun often used within the context of criminal organizations.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico and some parts of Central America, the term pistolero is used to refer to a hitman.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine noun sicario changes to the feminine form sicaria when referring to a female hitman.
How do you pronounce it?
/siˈkaɾjo/
Did you know?
- The word asesino is thought to have roots in the Arabic word for 'hashish users', potentially referring to a medieval sect of assassins known for being under the influence of the drug.
- While sicario is now associated with cartels, its root is the sica, a small curved dagger used by ancient assassins to hide weapons under their cloaks.
Examples in context
- Alex contrató a un asesino a sueldo para solucionar sus problemas.Alex hired a hitman to solve his problems.
- El libro está lleno de matones y sicarios dispuestos a todo.The book is full of thugs and hitmen willing to do anything.
- El sicario huyó de la escena.The hitman fled from the scene.
- La policía busca al sicario.The police are looking for the hitman.
Example conversation
Alejandro and María are watching a crime documentary on TV.
- Alejandro¿Crees que el sicario fue capturado?Do you think the hitman was caught?
- MaríaNo lo creo, Alejandro.I don't think so, Alejandro.
- AlejandroEse sicario es muy peligroso.That hitman is very dangerous.
- MaríaSí, es una historia terrible.Yes, it is a terrible story.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hitman” translations and entries sicario, asesino a sueldo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, asesino, sicario, sueldo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
