Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| bandido | /bɐ̃ˈd͡ʒi.du/ (Brazil) /bɐ̃ˈdi.du/ (Portugal) |
masculine |
| capanga | /kaˈpɐ̃.ɡɐ/ (Brazil) /kɐˈpɐ̃.ɡɐ/ (Portugal) |
|
| facínora | /faˈsĩ.no.ɾɐ/ (Brazil) /fɐˈsi.nu.ɾɐ/ (Portugal) |
masculine |
The terms in this category refer to people who treat others violently or roughly. While bandido is a general term for a criminal or thug, you may also encounter facínora to describe a particularly wicked villain or capanga when referring to a subordinate. In an informal context, the term marginal can also be used to describe someone involved in criminal activities or someone who behaves in a disruptive, antisocial manner.
Which one should you use?
The choice between these words depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. bandido is a general term for a criminal or thug. In contrast, capanga specifically implies a henchman or a lackey, someone working as a subordinate for a boss. facínora is more dramatic and literary than bandido, often used to describe a notorious villain or a scoundrel.
How does it change in a sentence?
capanga is an epicene noun, meaning the form remains the same whether the subject is masculine or feminine. facínora is an invariable noun. bandido is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /bɐ̃ˈdʒi.du/. It has 3 syllables, and the stress is on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- While bandido refers to a criminal, it is sometimes used affectionately among friends in Brazil to describe someone who is a 'rascal' or 'cheeky'.
- The word capanga originally referred to someone hiding in the 'armpit', an idiom used in its Kimbundu origin to describe a lazy person who only shows up to avoid work.
- In Brazilian news reporting, the term bandido is often used as a political label to delegitimize opponents, moving beyond its meaning as a violent criminal.
Examples in context
- Tom é um bandido.Tom is a thug.This sentence is useful for identifying someone as a bandido.Tatoeba #4378548 by Ricardo14, translation #1419160 by Spamster
- Jamal é um bandido perigoso. Ele sempre se mete em problemas.Jamal is a dangerous thug. He always gets in trouble.This sentence describes someone as a dangerous bandido who gets into trouble.Tatoeba #12049550 by ajdavidl, translation #5828773 by OsoHombre
- Ele deu um soco no bandido.He threw a punch at the thug.This sentence describes an action taken against a bandido.Tatoeba #3663002 by Luciosp, translation #3663000 by Luciosp
- Naquele caso, o bandido foi preso pela polícia.In that case, the thug was arrested by the police.
- O delinquente foi condenado por seu envolvimento no crime.The thug was convicted for his involvement in the crime.
- Aquele marginal está causando problemas novamente.That thug is causing trouble again.
- É melhor evitar aquele vagabundo na rua escura.It's better to avoid that thug on the dark street.
Example conversation
Lucas and Beatriz are discussing a news report about a crime.
- LucasAquele bandido fugiu da polícia.That thug escaped from the police.
- BeatrizQue perigo para a cidade!What a danger to the city!
- LucasEu espero que ele seja pego logo.I hope he is caught soon.
- BeatrizSim, a segurança é importante.Yes, safety is important.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “thug” translations and entries bandido, capanga, facínora, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bandido, capanga, facínora, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
