delito menor grave
/delito menoɾ ɡɾabe/from spelling rules
The English phrase "gross misdemeanor" is translated into Spanish as delito menor grave.
This term is a translation of the US legal concept and may not have a direct equivalent in civil law systems where the distinction between 'misdemeanor' and 'felony' is structured differently.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of delito (crime/offense), menor (minor) and grave (serious/grave).
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the phrase plural, both the noun 'delito' and the adjectives 'menor' and 'grave' must be pluralized: delitos menores graves.
How do you pronounce it?
/delito menoɾ ɡɾabe/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the phrase delito menor grave contains an oxymoron because menor means 'minor' and grave means 'serious'.
- While grave means 'serious' in a legal context, it is also the standard word used to describe a patient in critical condition in a hospital.
- The word grave shares its ancient roots with the English word 'heavy', as both stem from the Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'weighty' or 'burdened'.
Examples in context
- El acusado fue condenado por un delito menor grave y deberá cumplir tres meses de prisión.The defendant was convicted of a gross misdemeanor and will serve three months in prison.
- Fue un delito menor grave, pero no un delito mayor.It was a gross misdemeanor, but not a felony.
- Él fue acusado de un delito menor grave.He was accused of a gross misdemeanor.
- El juez clasificó el incidente como un delito menor grave.The judge classified the incident as a gross misdemeanor.
Example conversation
Two people are discussing a legal case.
- Mateo¿Qué cargo recibió el sospechoso, Elena?What charge did the suspect receive, Elena?
- ElenaFue un delito menor grave.It was a gross misdemeanor.
- Mateo¿Eso es peor que una falta?Is that worse than a petty offense?
- ElenaSí, pero no es un delito mayor.Yes, but it is not a felony.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries delito, grave, menor, CC BY-SA 4.0.
