ladrón
/laˈdɾon/masculine
The Spanish word for robber is ladrón. Wiktionary also lists shacador.
Meaning: one who robs (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| ladrón | /laˈdɾon/ | masculine |
| shacador | /sakadoɾ/ (from spelling rules) | Argentina, masculine |
The term ladrón is the standard word used to describe someone who commits theft or robbery, covering both 'thief' and 'robber'.
Which one should you use?
While ladrón is the standard term for a thief or robber, other specific terms exist: caco is a term originating from Spain used for a thief or burglar and ratero is a slang term specifically for a petty thief.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, the word shacador is used as a regionalism to refer to a robber.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine form is ladrón. To refer to a female robber, use ladrona. To speak about more than one robber, the plural form is ladrones.
How do you pronounce it?
/laˈdɾon/
Did you know?
- Spanish has a specific legal distinction between robo and hurto. While both are translated as 'theft', a ladrón who uses violence is committing robo, while one who steals stealthily commits hurto.
- While ladrón refers to a thief, the verb ladrar means 'to bark' like a dog, although the two words are not etymologically related.
- The term caco used in Spain is thought by some historians to be derived from the name of a mythological thief from Roman poetry.
Examples in context
- Cogieron al ladrón esta mañana.The robber was nabbed this morning.This sentence is useful for showing the capture of a ladrón.Tatoeba #497592 by Shishir, translation #279857 by CK
- El ladrón la atacó en un callejón.The robber attacked her on a back street.This sentence describes an attack by a ladrón.Tatoeba #1594338 by hayastan, translation #19194 by CK
- Ellos están persiguiendo al ladrón.They are pursuing the robber.This sentence shows the pursuit of a ladrón.Tatoeba #2590609 by marcelostockle, translation #307195 by CM
- El ladrón fue arrestado por la policía.The robber was arrested by the police.
- El asaltante amenazó a la víctima con un arma.The mugger threatened the victim with a weapon.
- ¡Cuidado con ese ratero! Siempre está buscando oportunidades para robar.Watch out for that petty thief! He's always looking for chances to steal.
- Recuerda cerrar bien las ventanas para que ningún mangante pueda entrar.Remember to close the windows tightly so that no crook can get in.
- No te confíes de ese caco, podría intentar robar tus pertenencias.Don't trust that thief, he might try to steal your belongings.
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Daniel are talking in a cafe about a news report.
- Lucía¿Viste las noticias sobre el ladrón?Did you see the news about the robber?
- DanielSí, ese ladrón era muy peligroso.Yes, that robber was very dangerous.
- LucíaEspero que la policía lo atrape pronto.I hope the police catch him soon.
- DanielSeguro que lo encontrarán.I'm sure they will find him.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “robber” translations and entries ladrón, 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.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
