mafia

/ˈmæfiə/ (bre, ipa) · [mˈɑfiə] /ˈmɑːfiə/ (ame, ipa) · [mˈɑfiə] /ˈmä-fē-ə How to pronounce Mafia (audio) ˈma-/ (ame, mw)

mafia — noun

  • mafiasingular
  • mafiasplural

1. an organized crime group, especially one historically linked with Sicily and lat

1.名詞B2
釋義

an organized crime group, especially one historically linked with Sicily and later with Italy and the United States

例句

Piotr said the local mafia controlled the port after dark.

the mafia + control + place

During the trial, Sofia described how the mafia collected money from shop owners.

the mafia collects money from + people

同義詞
  • gang

    is broader and can refer to a smaller or less organized criminal group

  • syndicate

    sounds more formal and often stresses coordinated criminal business

  • cartel

    usually highlights control of a trade such as drugs rather than the whole criminal society

文法句型

the mafia controls + place

the mafia collects money from + people

mafia boss/member/family

用法筆記

Often used with the when people mean a known criminal organization. Common contexts involve controlling an area, demanding protection money, or ordering violence through a chain of command.

常見錯誤

❌A group of boys stealing bikes was a mafia.
✅A group of boys stealing bikes was a gang.
💡mafia usually suggests a larger, organized network with lasting power and secret influence, not just any small group of criminals.

2. an unfair inner group in a workplace, club, or profession whose members help one

2.名詞C1
釋義

an unfair inner group in a workplace, club, or profession whose members help one another and shut other people out

例句

At city hall, staff joked that the parking office was a mafia.

be a mafia inside an organization

Evelyn felt the festival mafia kept giving the best stalls to friends.

the + noun + mafia

同義詞
  • clique

    focuses on a small exclusive social group, often without the strong corruption idea

  • inner circle

    can be neutral, so it is weaker than mafia

  • old-boy network

    specifically suggests privileged men helping one another through connections

文法句型

the + noun + mafia

a mafia inside + organization

mafia keeps outsiders out

用法筆記

Usually metaphorical and strongly critical. Speakers choose this sense when a tight group seems to pass jobs, access, or influence mainly to its own members.

常見錯誤

❌Our chess club is a mafia because we meet every Friday.
✅Our chess club is just a close group of friends.
💡mafia in this sense implies unfair insider advantage, not ordinary friendship or teamwork.