pecados capitales
/pekados kapitales/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'deadly sins' is translated into Spanish as pecados capitales.
This phrase refers to the group of seven most serious vices in Christian theology. While English speakers use the word 'deadly' to emphasize how fatal these sins are, Spanish speakers use the term to denote their status as the primary or principal vices.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'capital sins'. In this context, capitales refers to the sins being the 'head' or principal ones.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of the phrase is pecado capital.
Did you know?
- The word pecado comes from the Latin peccatum, which originally meant a 'stumble' or a 'trip', rather than a moral failing.
- Spanish speakers often use the phrase los siete pecados capitales as a general metaphor for any list of significant faults, even in non-religious contexts.
- In Spanish, the word capital is used for both the 'head' sins and the 'capital' city of a country, as both stem from the Latin word for 'head'.
Examples in context
- La gula es uno de los siete pecados capitales.Gluttony is one of the seven deadly sins.This sentence shows how to identify gluttony as one of the pecados capitales.Tatoeba #5626183 by albrusgher, translation #2669419 by nancy
- La envidia es uno de los siete pecados capitales.Envy is one of the seven deadly sins.This sentence shows how to identify envy as one of the pecados capitales.Tatoeba #1551097 by marcelostockle, translation #886207 by CK
- Los siete pecados capitales son: soberbia, envidia, codicia, ira, lujuria, gula y pereza.The seven deadly sins are: pride, envy, greed, anger, lust, gluttony and sloth.This sentence lists the specific vices that make up the pecados capitales.Tatoeba #5626283 by albrusgher, translation #4052466 by mervert1
- Los pecados capitales son la soberbia, la avaricia, la lujuria, la envidia, la gula, la ira y la pereza.The deadly sins are pride, greed, lust, envy, gluttony, wrath and sloth.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two students are discussing a classic literature book in a library.
- Sofía¿Crees que el protagonista comete los pecados capitales?Do you think the protagonist commits the deadly sins?
- DanielSí, su soberbia es un ejemplo claro.Yes, his pride is a clear example.
- SofíaEs un personaje muy complejo, Daniel.He is a very complex character, Daniel.
- DanielTienes razón, Sofía, es muy profundo.You are right, Sofía, he is very deep.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
