crimen
/ˈkɾimen/masculine
The Spanish language uses several words for crime, with crimen being the default form. Wiktionary also lists delito and delinquir.
Meaning: specific act committed in violation of the law (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| crimen | /ˈkɾimen/ | masculine |
| delito | /deˈlito/ | masculine |
| delinquir | /delinˈkiɾ/ | phrase, verb |
In Spanish, the term for a specific act committed in violation of the law can be expressed through the nouns delito and crimen or the verb delinquir.
Which one should you use?
While both words mean crime, delito is the standard technical and legal term for an offense or crime in a general sense. In contrast, crimen often carries a stronger connotation of a violent or heinous act, such as murder, rather than just a general legal infraction.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the phrase 'to commit a crime', you use the verb cometer followed by either delito or crimen. The noun for a person who commits a crime (a criminal) is delincuente, which is derived from the verb delinquir.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkɾimen/
Did you know?
- The Latin root of crimen originally meant 'verdict' or 'accusation' rather than the illegal act itself.
- In some Spanish dialects, crimen can be used colloquially to describe something shocking or an outrage, even if no law was broken.
- In Spanish, calling a minor theft a crimen can sound melodramatic or like a translation from an English movie, as it implies a grave atrocity.
Examples in context
- El crimen no paga.Crime does not pay.This sentence demonstrates the use of crimen.Tatoeba #1444363 by marcelostockle, translation #282783 by CK
- El delito es grave.The crime is serious.This sentence demonstrates the use of delito.Tatoeba #7843301 by arh, translation #9241107 by DJ_Saidez
- Ha cometido un crimen.She committed a crime.Tatoeba #1268554 by Shishir, translation #313795 by CK
- El asesinato es considerado un grave delito en todas las sociedades.Murder is considered a serious crime in all societies.
- El crimen organizado es un problema que afecta a nivel global.Organized crime is a problem that affects the entire world.
- Las actividades ilícitas deben ser sancionadas adecuadamente por la ley.Illicit activities should be appropriately sanctioned by the law.
- El crimen es un tema complicado, ¿no crees?Crime is a complicated subject, don't you think?
- El malgasto de nuestros recursos naturales debería ser considerado un delito grave.The squandering of our natural resources should be considered a serious crime.
- 127 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are discussing a news report.
- JavierFue un crimen muy terrible.It was a very terrible crime.
- ElenaSí, no puedo creerlo, Javier.Yes, I can't believe it, Javier.
- Javier¿Crees que resolverán el crimen?Do you think they will solve the crime?
- ElenaEspero que encuentren al culpable.I hope they find the culprit.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “crime” translations and entries crimen, delito, delinquir, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries crimen, delinquir, delito, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
