botín
/boˈtin/
In Spanish, the English word 'loot' is translated as botín.
The noun botín refers to the actual physical goods or possessions that have been stolen or plundered. If you want to use a verb to describe the action of plundering, use saquear (to loot) or robar (to steal).
Meaning: to plunder (verb)
Which one should you use?
There is a distinction between the goods and the action: botín refers to the stolen goods themselves, whereas saqueo refers to the act of looting or the process of plundering.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of botín is botines. However, in modern Spanish, this word is much more commonly used to mean ankle boots.
How do you pronounce it?
/boˈtin/
Did you know?
- The word botín likely shares an ancient root with the Gaulish word boudi, which meant 'victory'. This suggests that 'loot' is linguistically tied to the idea of winning a battle.
- If you are reading a historical text in Spanish, botín might be used to describe the 'spoils of war' or the 'profit' of a victory, rather than just a simple theft.
Examples in context
- El ladrón burló a la policía y se escapó con el botín.The thief outwitted the police and got away with his loot.This example shows how a thief might escape with the botín.Tatoeba #6859570 by albrusgher, translation #278639 by CM
- Me llevaré tu botín.I'll take your loot.This example demonstrates using the word botín to indicate taking someone's loot.Tatoeba #8673866 by ajje, translation #8673867 by ajje
- Durante la invasión, se llevaron los despojos del museo nacional.During the invasion, they took the loot from the national museum.
- ¡Mira qué botín encontramos en la cueva abandonada!Look at the loot we found in the abandoned cave!
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are playing a video game together.
- JavierMira todo el botín que encontramos aquí.Look at all the loot we found here.
- Elena¡Es increíble! Dame algunas de esas monedas.It's incredible! Give me some of those coins.
- JavierEstá bien, Elena, dividamos el botín ahora.Alright, Elena, let's divide the loot now.
- ElenaGracias, Javier, ahora podemos comprar mejores armas.Thanks, Javier, now we can buy better weapons.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry botín, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries botín, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
