mafia
/ˈma.fja/feminine
The Italian word mafia means a crime syndicate.
mafia is used to refer to an organized criminal syndicate. When referring specifically to the international criminal organization of Sicilian origin, the capitalized form Mafia is used.
Meaning: a crime syndicate (noun)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of mafia is mafie.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈma.fja/
Did you know?
- The Sicilian dialect once used the word mafia to describe a sense of boldness, pride, or a defiant attitude toward authority before it became associated with crime.
- Italian law defines mafia-type association as a specific legal category, associazione di tipo mafioso, which focuses on the ability to intimidate people through the mere prestige of the group.
- The term mafia is often paired with the word cupola to describe the governing body or 'dome' of the organization that makes high-level decisions.
Examples in context
- Non c'è una cosa come la mafia, Tom.There's no such thing as the Mafia, Tom.Tatoeba #13945730 by Guybrush88, translation #13937661 by rul
- Faccio parte della mafia dell'alfabeto.I take part of the alphabet mafia.Tatoeba #13326574 by Guybrush88, translation #9726614 by mialiesperantistas
- In Germania la mafia italiana è un problema sottovalutato.In Germany, the Italian mafia is an underestimated problem.Tatoeba #755767 by Guybrush88, translation #755890 by Aeetlrcreejl
- La Mafia è un'organizzazione criminale molto pericolosa.The Mafia is a very dangerous criminal organization.
- La Cosa Nostra domina il settore della droga in Sicilia.The Sicilian Mafia dominates the drug trade in Sicily.
- La Camorra è responsabile di numerosi crimini a Napoli.The Camorra is responsible for numerous crimes in Naples.
- L'operazione di polizia ha smantellato una cellula importante della 'Ndrangheta.The police operation dismantled a significant cell of the 'Ndrangheta.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Francesco and Martina are discussing a true crime documentary.
- FrancescoQuesto documentario parla della mafia.This documentary is about the mafia.
- MartinaÈ una storia molto triste.It is a very sad story.
- FrancescoLa mafia ha distrutto molte vite.The mafia destroyed many lives.
- MartinaPurtroppo è ancora un problema reale.Unfortunately, it is still a real problem.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “mafia” translations and entries mafia, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
