torrante
/torante/from spelling rulesChile, feminine, masculine
The English phrase "hobo" can be translated into Spanish as torrante. Wiktionary also lists bichicome (despective).
Meaning: homeless person (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| torrante | /torante/ (from spelling rules) | Chile, feminine, masculine |
| bichicome (despective) | colloquial, feminine, masculine |
Both terms refer to a homeless person.
Which one should you use?
bichicome is a despective and derogatory term used to describe the same person.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
bichicome is colloquial and carries a derogatory tone.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The term torrante is used specifically in Chile to refer to a homeless person.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both torrante and bichicome can be used as either masculine or feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/torante/
Did you know?
- The derogatory term bichicome is a phonetic evolution of the English 'beachcomber', which describes someone searching shores for items rather than a person without a home.
- If you use the word torrante in Mexico or Spain, you will likely face a blank stare, as the word is tied specifically to Chilean dialect.
Examples in context
- Me encontré con un vagabundo en la plaza.I ran into a hobo in the square.
- La ciudad cuenta con albergues para pordioseros.The city has shelters for beggars.
Example conversation
Elena and Javier are walking downtown.
- ElenaMira, hay un torrante pidiendo dinero allí.Look, there is a hobo asking for money over there.
- JavierSí, se ve que tiene mucho frío.Yes, he looks very cold.
- Elena¿Tienes algunas monedas para darle?Do you have some coins to give him?
- JavierTengo algunas, vamos a darle.I have some, let's give them to him.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hobo” translations, 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 bichicome, CC BY-SA 4.0.
