Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| matón | /maˈton/ | |
| bravucón | /bɾabuˈkon/ | masculine |
| abusón | /abuˈson/ | masculine |
| peleón | /peleˈon/ | masculine |
| pendenciero | /pendenˈθjeɾo/ /pendenˈsjeɾo/ |
masculine |
| matasiete | /ˌmataˈsjete/ | masculine |
| buleador | /buleadoɾ/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| bully (buli) | feminine, masculine |
You can use the verbs acosar or tiranizar to describe the act of bullying or continuously harassing someone. Additionally, bravo can be used as an interjection meaning 'well done!'
Which one should you use?
The different forms of the word highlight different aspects of a bully's behavior. matón specifically implies a bully who uses physical strength or intimidation to frighten others. abusón refers to a bully who takes advantage of others or oversteps social boundaries, often through psychological or social means. bravucón describes a bully who is a 'tough guy' or a braggart, often someone who acts more brave than they actually are.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
If you need a formal way to refer to a male bully, use abusador. In informal situations, you can use bravucón. The term buleador is a slang term derived from Spanglish used in some Latin American regions.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Colombia, the term peleón is used to refer to a bully.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine noun matón can be changed to the feminine form matona to refer to a female bully. Other masculine forms include bravucón, abusón, peleón, pendenciero, matasiete and buleador. The term bully (buli) can be used for both masculine and feminine subjects.
How do you pronounce it?
/maˈton/
Did you know?
- The word matasiete literally translates to 'kill seven', evoking an image of a legendary fighter or a formidable thug.
- The term matón is formed by combining the verb 'matar', meaning 'to kill', with the suffix -ón, which often intensifies the meaning of a word.
- The term pendenciero comes from pendencia, meaning 'quarrel', and describes a bully who specifically enjoys starting loud arguments.
Examples in context
- Ve y dale una paliza a ese matón.Go and beat up that bully.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of matón.Tatoeba #852937 by artukai, translation #68738 by CK
- El profesor reprende a los abusadores en el colegio.The teacher reprimands the bullies at school.
- La policía intervino para detener a los matones en la plaza.The police intervened to stop the bullies in the square.
- Ese matón siempre asusta a los niños más pequeños.That bully always scares the younger children.
- No quiero estar cerca de un matón como él.I don't want to be near a bully like him.
Example conversation
Sofía and Alejandro are talking about a student at their school.
- SofíaEse chico es un matón terrible, Alejandro.That boy is a terrible bully, Alejandro.
- AlejandroSí, Sofía, es muy cruel con todos.Yes, Sofía, he is very cruel to everyone.
- SofíaDebemos informar a los profesores sobre el matón.We should inform the teachers about the bully.
- AlejandroTienes razón, no podemos permitir su comportamiento.You are right, we cannot allow his behavior.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bully” translations and entries matón, bravucón, abusón, peleón, pendenciero, matasiete, 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 bravucón, matón, peleón, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
