criminel
/kʁi.mi.nɛl/masculine
The English word 'criminal' is translated into French as criminel.
criminel is used as a noun to refer to a person who is guilty of a crime or has broken the law. It can also be used as an adjective to describe actions that are against the law or people who are guilty of breaking the law.
Meaning: person guilty of a crime, breaking the law (noun)
Which one should you use?
When used as a noun, the word must agree in gender with the person being referred to, using criminel for a man and criminelle for a woman.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine form of both the noun and the adjective is criminelle.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables and is pronounced /kʁi.mi.nɛl/.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly spell the French word with an 'i' after the 'm' (criminal), but the French spelling is criminel.
When do people say it?
While criminel is a general term, the international term Gangster has been adopted into French specifically to describe criminals involved in organized gangs.
Did you know?
- The French word for a 'criminal record' is casier judiciaire, which literally translates to 'judicial locker' or 'judicial pigeonhole'.
- France has a specific legal term crime passionnel to describe a criminal act committed in a state of overwhelming emotion, often related to romantic jealousy.
- In French legal contexts, the term criminel specifically refers to the most serious offenses, known as crimes, while less serious offenses are called délits.
Examples in context
- Es-tu un criminel ?Are you a criminal?This sentence is useful for asking if someone is a criminal.Tatoeba #1790164 by sacredceltic, translation #1789306 by Spamster
- Le criminel a été exilé.The criminal was sent into exile.This sentence is useful for describing a criminal who was sent into exile.Tatoeba #832029 by U2FS, translation #282800 by shekitten
- Ce n'est pas un criminel.He's not a criminal.This sentence is useful for stating that someone is not a criminal.Tatoeba #4717106 by sacredceltic, translation #2301440 by Hybrid
- Dans le rapport de police, le criminel a été identifié comme étant le principal suspect du vol à main armée.In the police report, the criminal has been identified as the main suspect in the armed robbery.
- Les activités du criminel ont été exposées lors du procès devant le tribunal.The activities of the criminal were exposed during the trial in court.
- J'ai vu un malfrat en train de voler un sac à main hier soir.I saw a crook stealing a handbag last night.
- 76 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo and Léa are watching a crime documentary on TV.
- HugoLe criminel a enfin été arrêté.The criminal has finally been arrested.
- LéaC'est incroyable, il a fui pendant des ans.It's incredible, he fled for years.
- HugoOui, c'est un criminel très dangereux.Yes, he is a very dangerous criminal.
- LéaHeureusement, la police l'a trouvé.Fortunately, the police found him.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “criminal” translations and entries criminel, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
