trata de menores
/tɾata de menoɾes/from spelling rules
In Spanish, child trafficking is translated as trata de menores.
It is a specific term for the trafficking of minors, distinguishing it from the broader concept of human trafficking.
Meaning: Translations (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of trata (trafficking/trade), de (of) and menores (minors).
Which one should you use?
While trata de menores is the standard legal term for trafficking involving exploitation, tráfico de menores is sometimes used to refer specifically to the illegal movement or smuggling of children across borders. Additionally, trata de menores refers specifically to children/minors, whereas trata de personas is the broader term for human trafficking.
How do you pronounce it?
/tɾata de menoɾes/
Did you know?
- The word trata comes from the verb tratar, which means both 'to treat' and 'to negotiate'. This reflects the historical view of trafficking as a form of illicit commercial negotiation.
- In Spanish legal contexts, menores is used instead of niños because it covers anyone under the legal age of majority, regardless of whether they are children or adolescents.
- The distinction between trata and tráfico is strictly enforced in international law to separate 'exploitation' from 'illegal movement'. Using tráfico when meaning 'exploitation' can be seen as a legal error in a courtroom.
Examples in context
- La trata de personas menores de edad es un delito atroz que debe ser combatido en todo el mundo.Child trafficking is an atrocious crime that must be fought throughout the world.
- El tráfico de niños es una violación grave de los derechos humanos.Child trafficking is a serious violation of human rights.
- La explotación infantil, incluyendo la trata de personas menores de edad, es un problema global que requiere atención inmediata.Child exploitation, including child trafficking, is a global problem that requires immediate attention.
- La explotación infantil, incluyendo el tráfico de niños, es algo que debe preocuparnos a todos.Child exploitation, including child trafficking, is something that should concern us all.
- La policía desarticuló una red de trata de menores.The police dismantled a child trafficking network.
- La trata de menores es un crimen terrible.Child trafficking is a terrible crime.
- Debemos luchar contra la trata de menores.We must fight against child trafficking.
- La policía investiga casos de trata de menores.The police are investigating child trafficking cases.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Sofía are discussing a news report at home.
- Alejandro¿Viste la noticia sobre la trata de menores?Did you see the news about child trafficking?
- SofíaSí, es una situación muy triste.Yes, it is a very sad situation.
- AlejandroEspero que las autoridades hagan algo.I hope the authorities do something.
- SofíaOjalá que protejan a los niños.I hope they protect the children.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, trata, CC BY-SA 4.0.
