bar ilícito
/baɾ iliθito/from spelling rulesmasculine
The English phrase "speakeasy" can be translated into Spanish as bar ilícito. If unsure, use bar ilícito. Wiktionary also lists taberna clandestina.
Meaning: illegal saloon operated during the Prohibition period (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| bar ilícito | /baɾ iliθito/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /baɾ ilisito/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
masculine |
| taberna clandestina | /tabeɾna klandestina/ (from spelling rules) | feminine |
The term refers to an illegal saloon operated during the Prohibition period.
Which one should you use?
While bar ilícito is a general term, taberna clandestina uses a different noun to describe a similar concept. For a more formal context, bar clandestino is the most common way to express this idea. If you are speaking informally about a place that is simply hard to find, you might use bar escondido, which specifically means "hidden bar."
How do you pronounce it?
/baɾ iliθito/
Did you know?
- In modern Spanish-speaking cities, the concept of a bar escondido is often used to describe 'secret' bars that use passwords or hidden entrances to create an exclusive atmosphere, even when they are legal.
- The term bar ilícito describes a place that breaks the law, but in many Spanish-speaking countries, a bar can also refer to a small café that serves food and drinks throughout the day.
- The word bar in Spanish is a loanword from English, which in turn came from Old French and Vulgar Latin. It exists as a doublet alongside the native Spanish word barra, meaning 'rod' or 'bar'.
Examples in context
- Me han hablado de un bar clandestino en el centro de la ciudad que debemos visitar.I've heard about a speakeasy in the city center that we should visit.
- Mi amigo me llevó a un bar escondido en las afueras de la ciudad, y la experiencia fue increíble.My friend took me to a hidden bar on the outskirts of the city, and the experience was amazing.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Lucía are discussing a history book.
- Alejandro¿Sabes qué era un bar ilícito?Do you know what a speakeasy was?
- LucíaSí, era un lugar prohibido para beber.Yes, it was a forbidden place to drink.
- AlejandroLeí que cada bar ilícito tenía una contraseña.I read that every speakeasy had a password.
- LucíaEso suena muy emocionante, Alejandro.That sounds very exciting, Alejandro.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “speakeasy” translations, 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.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bar, ilícito, taberna, CC BY-SA 4.0.
