traición
/tɾaiˈθjon/
The English phrase 'betrayal' is translated into Spanish as traición.
Which one should you use?
You can use the verb traicionar to express the action 'to betray'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the expression puñalada trapera is used to describe a treacherous or backstabbing act.
How does it change in a sentence?
traición is a feminine noun. When moving to the plural form, traiciones, the accent mark on the 'o' is dropped.
How do you pronounce it?
/tɾaiˈθjon/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word traición is a linguistic sibling of tradición. Both words evolved from the same Latin root trāditiōnem, which meant both 'handing over' and 'betrayal'.
- The expression puñalada trapera describes a cowardly betrayal and literally translates to 'a trapper's stab'.
- Spanish distinguishes between traición as a general betrayal and deslealtad as a lack of loyalty. While related, traición implies a more severe, active breach of trust.
Examples in context
- Los activistas climáticos, sorprendentemente, estuvieron a favor de talar el bosque, mientras que los defensores de la preservación de la naturaleza los miraban ojipláticos. No se esperaban esa traición.The climate activists were surprisingly in favor of chopping down the forest, while the conservationists looked at them astounded. They weren't expecting this betrayal.This sentence shows how to use traición to describe an unexpected act of betrayal.Tatoeba #10668141 by Shishir, translation #10668160 by DJ_Saidez
- Los humanos cometen actos de crueldad, perfidia, traición y de rudeza que se habían creído incompatibles con su nivel cultural.Humans commit acts of cruelty, treachery, betrayal and violence that are unbecoming, considering how civilized they are.This sentence lists several human failings, including traición.Tatoeba #8966026 by PauloSamuel, translation #8966074 by DJ_Saidez
- Su traición me dejó sin palabras.His betrayal left me speechless.
- La deslealtad de su socio fue inesperada y descorazonadora.The disloyalty of his business partner was unexpected and disheartening.
- No puedo creer que me haya traicionado de esa manera.I can't believe he betrayed me like that.
- Me dolió mucho recibir una puñalada trapera por parte de mi mejor amigo.It hurt me deeply to receive a treacherous act from my best friend.
- Siento que su traición me ha destruido.I feel that his betrayal has destroyed me.
Example conversation
María and Mateo are discussing a secret that was revealed.
- MaríaNo puedo creer que contaras mi secreto.I can't believe you told my secret.
- MateoLo siento mucho, María, fue un error.I'm very sorry, María, it was a mistake.
- MaríaPara mí, esto es una traición.To me, this is a betrayal.
- MateoPerdóname, Mateo nunca quiso lastimarte.Forgive me, Mateo never wanted to hurt you.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry traición, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries traición, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
