mafioso
/maˈfjo.zo/masculine
The English word 'mobster' can be translated into Italian as mafioso. Wiktionary also lists gangster.
Meaning: member of a criminal gang (noun)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| mafioso | /maˈfjo.zo/ /maˈfjo.so/ |
masculine |
| gangster | /ˈɡɛns.ter/ /ˈɡans.ter/ |
masculine |
The terms used to describe a mobster depend on whether you are referring to a member of a criminal gang in general or someone specifically affiliated with the Mafia.
Which one should you use?
While gangster is a general term for a criminal, mafioso specifically refers to a member of the Mafia.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Sicily, the term capomafia means 'mob boss' or 'head of the Mafia'. In Calabria, the term 'ndranghetista refers to someone associated with or involved in 'Ndrangheta activities.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word mafioso is a masculine noun. The feminine form of 'mafioso' is mafiosa.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of mafioso is /maˈfjo.zo/. It has 3 syllables, with the stress on 2 of 3.
Did you know?
- While mafioso is used globally to describe a mobster, in Sicily the word mafia originally referred to a sense of pride, bravery and independence before it became associated with organized crime.
- While mafioso is the common term, Italian speakers use the borrowed English word gangster specifically to describe American mobsters from movies and history.
- The word mafioso is closely linked to the concept of omertà, a cultural code of silence that forbids mobsters from cooperating with the police.
Examples in context
- Il mafioso è stato arrestato dalla polizia.The mobster was arrested by the police.
- Quel tipo sembra un malavitoso.That guy looks like a mobster.
- Il capomafia è conosciuto per la sua spietatezza.The mob boss is known for his ruthlessness.
- I 'ndranghetisti controllano il traffico di droga.The mobsters control the drug trafficking.
- Quel mafioso è molto pericoloso.That mobster is very dangerous.
- È un mafioso di una banda locale.He is a mobster from a local gang.
- Hanno arrestato un noto mafioso ieri.They arrested a well-known mobster yesterday.
Example conversation
Francesco and Martina are discussing a crime movie.
- FrancescoIl protagonista è un mafioso molto crudele.The protagonist is a very cruel mobster.
- MartinaSì, ma sembra che sia solo e triste.Yes, but he seems lonely and sad.
- FrancescoÈ tipico dei film sul mafioso moderno.It's typical of movies about the modern mobster.
- MartinaHai ragione, Francesco, è un personaggio complesso.You're right, Francesco, he is a complex character.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “mobster” translations and entries mafioso, gangster, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
