Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| antecedentes penales | /anteθedentes penales/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /antesedentes penales/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
masculine, plural |
| prontuario | /pɾonˈtwaɾjo/ | masculine |
| expediente criminal | /eɡspedjente kɾiminal/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
You use these terms to refer to a person's criminal history or background. To request the physical document that proves whether or not someone has a record, use the phrase certificado de antecedentes penales.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase antecedentes penales literally translates to 'criminal antecedents' or 'criminal background'.
Which one should you use?
Antecedentes penales is the standard and most common way to refer to a criminal record. In contrast, prontuario often implies a more detailed or compiled dossier of a person's criminal history rather than just the status of having a record. Expediente criminal is another way to express this concept.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, the term antecedentes penales may also be known as prontuario penal.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because antecedentes is a masculine plural noun, any accompanying adjectives must also be masculine and plural, as seen in penales.
How do you pronounce it?
/anteθedentes penales/
Did you know?
- The word prontuario comes from the Latin word prōmptuārium, which originally referred to a handbook or a guide meant for quick reference.
- In certain Latin American legal systems, having 'antecedentes' is not just a matter of history but a status that can be 'limpiado' or 'cancelados'. This means a person can legally have their record 'cleared' or 'cancelled' after a certain period of good behavior.
- While antecedentes penales is used across the Spanish-speaking world, prontuario is much more common in the Southern Cone, particularly in Argentina and Uruguay.
Examples in context
- El solicitante tiene antecedentes penalesThe applicant has a criminal record
- Al solicitar empleo, es posible que te pidan una hoja de antecedentes criminalesWhen applying for a job, you may be asked for a criminal record sheet
- No puedo creer que tenga una ficha policialI can't believe he has a criminal record
- Él tiene un pasado delictivoHe has a criminal past
- Preferiría contratar a alguien sin ficha policialI would prefer to hire someone without a criminal record
- Él no tiene antecedentes penales.He does not have a criminal record.
- Necesito un certificado de mis antecedentes penales.I need a certificate of my criminal record.
- Sus antecedentes penales le impiden trabajar aquí.His criminal record prevents him from working here.
Example conversation
María is interviewing Alejandro for a job.
- María¿Tiene usted antecedentes penales?Do you have a criminal record?
- AlejandroNo, no tengo antecedentes penales.No, I do not have a criminal record.
- MaríaPerfecto, solo necesitamos el documento oficial.Perfect, we just need the official document.
- AlejandroSe lo traigo mañana mismo.I will bring it to you tomorrow.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “criminal record” translations and entries antecedentes penales, prontuario, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries criminal, expediente, prontuario, CC BY-SA 4.0.
