inframundo
/infɾaˈmundo/masculine
The English phrase underworld can be translated into Spanish as inframundo, submundo or hampa.
Meaning: part of society engaged in crime or vice (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| inframundo | /infɾaˈmundo/ | masculine |
| submundo | /subˈmundo/ | masculine |
| hampa | /ˈampa/ | feminine |
You might use these terms to describe a part of society engaged in vice or a hidden, illicit world.
Which one should you use?
The terms carry distinct nuances: inframundo is typically used to refer to the mythological or spiritual realm of the dead. submundo is the preferred term when referring to the criminal underworld or a hidden, illicit society. hampa refers specifically to the criminal element or the world of thieves and gangsters.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the informal term el narco is commonly used when referring to the criminal underworld involved in drug trafficking.
How does it change in a sentence?
inframundo and submundo are masculine nouns, while hampa is a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/infɾaˈmundo/
Did you know?
- While submundo describes the criminal world, the word mundo itself comes from the Latin 'mundus' which originally meant 'neat' or 'elegant'.
- The word hampa may have originated from the French word hampe, which means a 'shaft' or 'pole', suggesting a distant connection to tools or weapons.
- The term hampa is often used in Spanish to describe not just the criminals themselves but the specific social environment and slums where they operate.
Examples in context
- Cristóbal Colón peleó una vez contra Cancerbero, el guardián de tres cabezas del inframundo, con nada más que su sombrero.Christopher Columbus once fought Cerberus, the three-headed guardian of the underworld, with nothing but his hat.This sentence shows the use of inframundo in a mythological context.Tatoeba #536619 by Shishir, translation #536592 by FeuDRenais
- El inframundo es un tema recurrente en la mitología griegaThe underworld is a recurring theme in Greek mythology
- Este lugar tiene un aire tenebroso, como si fuera el inframundoThis place has a mysterious atmosphere, as if it were the underworld
- El hampa tiene una fuerte influencia en esta zona de la ciudadThe underworld has a strong influence in this part of the city
- El submundo del crimen organizado es un problema graveThe underworld of organized crime is a serious problem
- El inframundo es una parte fundamental de muchas culturas antiguas.The underworld is a fundamental part of many ancient cultures.
- Esa película trata sobre el peligroso inframundo.That movie is about the dangerous underworld.
- El detective investiga los secretos del inframundo.The detective investigates the secrets of the underworld.
Example conversation
Elena and Alejandro are discussing a true crime documentary.
- ElenaEsta serie muestra cómo funciona el inframundo en la ciudad.This series shows how the underworld works in the city.
- AlejandroEs aterrador ver cuánta gente está involucrada.It is terrifying to see how many people are involved.
- ElenaSí, el inframundo parece estar en todas partes.Yes, the underworld seems to be everywhere.
- AlejandroEspero que la policía logre detenerlos pronto.I hope the police manage to stop them soon.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “underworld” translations and entries inframundo, submundo, hampa, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hampa, inframundo, submundo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
