asaltantes
/asaltantes/from spelling rules
The Spanish word for raiders is asaltantes.
The term refers to people who attack a place suddenly in order to steal things.
What does it mean word for word?
asaltantes is derived from the verb asaltar, which means to assault or to raid, combined with the suffix -ante, which denotes the person performing the action.
Which one should you use?
While asaltantes refers to those who perform a sudden attack, the alternative saqueadores is often used specifically for people who raid a place to loot or pillage goods.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, asaltantes is commonly used to refer to raiders. In Spain, it is common to use the term saqueadores when referring to raiders.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of the noun is asaltante.
How do you pronounce it?
/asaltantes/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish dialects, the verb asaltar is used in the context of 'asaltar la mesa', which is a playful way to say someone is eating very quickly or greedily.
- The root salto in asaltar comes from the word for 'jump', suggesting that a raid involves a sudden leap or breach of a perimeter.
- The verb asaltar can describe a non-criminal act, such as a sudden smell or a bright light that 'overwhelms' or 'surprises' the senses.
Examples in context
- Los atacantes llegaron rápidamente y tomaron el control del área.The raiders quickly arrived and took control of the area.
- Los jóvenes merodeadores causaron estragos en el vecindario durante la noche.The young raiders wreaked havoc in the neighborhood during the night.
- En el pasado, los saqueadores asolaban ciudades enteras en busca de tesoros.In the past, raiders would plunder entire cities in search of treasures.
- Los asaltantes huyeron por el bosque.The raiders fled through the forest.
- Vimos a los asaltantes entrar en la tienda.We saw the raiders enter the shop.
- Los asaltantes dejaron la casa vacía.The raiders left the house empty.
Example conversation
Daniel and Elena are watching a news report about a crime.
- DanielMira, los asaltantes escaparon en un coche negro.Look, the raiders escaped in a black car.
- ElenaEs increíble que hayan robado todo eso.It is incredible that they stole all of that.
- DanielDicen que los asaltantes eran tres personas.They say the raiders were three people.
- ElenaEspero que la policía los atrape pronto.I hope the police catch them soon.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
