Lael logo

contrabando means smuggling; contraband — a common term in Travel Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: October 12, 2025

✈️ Travel Spanish

contrabando

noun • /[kon-trah-BAN-doh]/

smuggling; contraband

Example:

No transportamos contrabando, solo artesanías.

We aren't carrying contraband, just handicrafts.

🧠 What does contrabando mean?

Contrabando refers to goods imported or exported illegally, often to avoid paying taxes or because the goods are prohibited. It can also refer to the act of smuggling itself. Think of things like illicit drugs, weapons, or even protected artifacts being brought across borders secretly.

📚 Extra examples

  • Los agentes de aduanas encontraron contrabando en su equipaje.
    The customs officers found contraband in his luggage.
  • El contrabando de cigarrillos es un problema común en la frontera.
    Cigarette smuggling is a common problem at the border.
  • Participar en el contrabando puede llevar a severas consecuencias legales.
    Participating in smuggling can lead to serious legal consequences.
  • La policía descubrió una red de contrabando de animales exóticos.
    The police uncovered an exotic animal smuggling ring.
  • El contrabando de armas alimenta los conflictos en la región.
    Arms smuggling fuels the conflicts in the region.

💡 Did You Know?

The word 'contrabando' comes from the Italian word 'contrabbando', meaning 'against the ban'.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "contrabando"

Synonyms: tráfico ilegal, mercancía ilegal
Opposites: importación legal, exportación legal

🔍 See more travel spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'smuggling; contraband' in Spanish?
The Spanish word for both 'smuggling' and 'contraband' is 'contrabando'.
How do you pronounce 'contrabando' in Spanish?
It's pronounced kohn-tra-BAHN-doh. The stress falls on the 'bahn' syllable.
How do you use 'contrabando' in a sentence?
Here are a few examples: 'Las autoridades confiscaron el contrabando.' (The authorities confiscated the contraband.) or 'Están acusados de contrabando de drogas.' (They are accused of drug smuggling.).
What is the English translation of 'contrabando'?
Contrabando translates to 'smuggling' or 'contraband' in English.
Does 'contrabando' change for gender or number?
No, 'contrabando' is a masculine singular noun and doesn't change form for plurals. If you want to talk about multiple instances, you would say 'los contrabandos', although it's less common and often 'el contrabando' is sufficient even when referring to more than one item.
Is 'contrabando' common in everyday Spanish?
While not an everyday word, 'contrabando' is understood and used when discussing topics related to illegal trade or border control.
Does 'contrabando' have slang or double meanings?
Not really. Its meaning is fairly straightforward and relates to illegal goods or the act of smuggling.
Is 'contrabando' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
No, the word 'contrabando' and its meaning are generally the same across Spain and Latin America.

📱 Download the App

Get reminders · Save favorites · Share words

Lael App Logo

Lael: Spanish Word of the Day

Download on the App Store