me acojo a la quinta enmienda
/me akoxo a la kinta emmjenda/from spelling rules
To say "I plead the fifth" in Spanish, use me acojo a la quinta enmienda.
This phrase is used to refuse to answer a question to avoid incriminating oneself. Although it is a direct translation of the American legal concept, it is used in Spanish-speaking contexts primarily when discussing American law or in media influenced by American legal dramas.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is built from the reflexive verb acogerse (to resort to or to take refuge in) and la quinta enmienda (the fifth amendment).
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb is used in the reflexive form me acojo to indicate that the speaker is the one invoking the right.
Did you know?
- In most Spanish-speaking countries, the phrase me acojo a la quinta enmienda sounds like a quote from a Hollywood movie rather than a real legal procedure. To express the same intent using local law, you would typically say derecho a no declarar, meaning 'right not to testify'.
- The verb acogerse implies that the speaker is 'taking refuge' or 'seeking shelter'. This creates a vivid image of the law acting as a physical sanctuary or a shield from interrogation.
- The word quinta shares a historical connection with the English word 'quintain'. In Roman military camps, this related to a specific street or area used for martial training exercises.
Examples in context
- Me amparo en el derecho de no declarar contra mí mismo.I invoke my right not to testify against myself.
- Mi cliente se reserva el derecho de no declarar.My client reserves the right not to testify.
- No diré nada, me acojo a la quinta enmienda.I will not say anything, I plead the fifth.
- Si me preguntas eso, me acojo a la quinta enmienda.If you ask me that, I plead the fifth.
- El sospechoso dijo: "Me acojo a la quinta enmienda".The suspect said: "I plead the fifth."
Example conversation
Daniel and Elena are jokingly arguing about who ate the last piece of cake.
- Daniel¿Tú te comiste el pastel, Daniel?Did you eat the cake, Daniel?
- ElenaMe acojo a la quinta enmienda, Elena.I plead the fifth, Elena.
- Daniel¡Eso significa que fuiste tú!That means it was you!
- ElenaNo he admitido nada.I haven't admitted anything.
