Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
How to Say Thief in Spanish
Ladrón · noun · lah-DROHN
The Spanish word for thief is 'ladrón' (masculine) or 'ladrona' (feminine). For a petty thief or pickpocket, the term 'ratero' or 'carterista' may be used depending on the region.
Pronounce 'ladrón' as lah-DROHN, with the stress on the final syllable. The accent mark indicates this stress pattern.
La policía atrapó al ladrón en la esquina.
The police caught the thief on the corner.
thief in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for thief, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| ladrón | thief | lah-DROHN | Default, widely understood |
| ladrona | thief | feminine form | |
| ratero | thief | petty thief, pickpocket |
How Native Speakers Use Ladrón
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Reporting a crime
¡Un ladrón me robó la cartera!
A thief stole my wallet!
Reporting a theft to someone nearby.
News report
Los ladrones entraron por la ventana de atrás.
The thieves entered through the back window.
A news report about a burglary.
Warning others
Cuidado con los rateros en el metro.
Watch out for pickpockets on the subway.
Advising travelers about petty theft.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Ladrón
Forgetting the accent on 'ladrón'
Incorrect: El ladron escapó.
Correct: El ladrón escapó.
The accent mark on 'ladrón' is required — it indicates the stress falls on the final syllable, which is not the default for words ending in 'n.'
Using 'ladrón' for a female thief
Incorrect: La ladrón fue arrestada.
Correct: La ladrona fue arrestada.
The feminine form 'ladrona' should be used when referring to a female thief, matching the article 'la.'
Lock in thief Vocabulary with the Parrot Method
Why word lists alone don't stick
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See Ladrón used by native speakers
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Common Questions About thief in Spanish
- What is the plural of 'ladrón'?
- The plural form is 'ladrones,' dropping the accent mark because the stress naturally falls on the same syllable once '-es' is added.
- What is the difference between 'ladrón' and 'ratero'?
- A 'ladrón' is a general term for any thief, while a 'ratero' specifically refers to a petty thief or someone who steals small items, often through pickpocketing.
- How do you say 'robbery' in Spanish?
- A robbery is 'robo' in Spanish, derived from the verb 'robar' (to steal), as in 'hubo un robo en el banco' (there was a robbery at the bank).