ilegal
/ileˈɡal/
The English word illegal is translated into Spanish as ilegal.
The adjective ilegal is used to describe actions, objects or situations that are contrary to or forbidden by law. While ilegal is the standard term, you can also use prohibido to express that something is prohibited or forbidden. In certain contexts, such as referring to a person, related nouns like espía encubierto or topo can be used to mean an undercover spy.
Meaning: contrary to or forbidden by law (adj)
Is it said differently in some regions?
The term chueco is a colloquialism used across Latin America to describe illegal or fraudulent activities, while pirata is an informal term used in some Spanish-speaking countries like Mexico to refer to illegally obtained goods.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the adjective plural, add an -es to the end to form ilegales.
How do you pronounce it?
/ileˈɡal/
Did you know?
- In many Latin American countries, the word chueco literally means 'crooked' or 'bent'. It is used to describe 'illegal' activities because they are not 'straight' or honest.
- In some Spanish-speaking legal systems, there is a distinction between ilegal and ilícito. While ilegal refers to a breach of law, ilícito often implies a more fundamental moral or systemic illegality.
- While ilegal is the formal term, the word pirata is used as an adjective for 'illegal' goods like DVDs or software. It functions similarly to the English term 'bootleg' rather than 'piracy'.
Examples in context
- Sé que es ilegal.I know that it's illegal.This sentence uses the word ilegal to express knowledge of an illegal act.Tatoeba #5027600 by don_ramon, translation #12997987 by araneo
- No hice nada ilegal.I did nothing illegal.This sentence uses the word ilegal to state that nothing illegal was done.Tatoeba #2256331 by marcelostockle, translation #1879135 by Spamster
- No hicimos nada ilegal.We didn't do anything illegal.Tatoeba #2878330 by teskmon, translation #2281744 by CK
- Es ilegal conducir sin un carné de conducir válido.It is illegal to drive without a valid driver's license.
- Ese DVD es pirata, no lo compres.That DVD is pirated, don't buy it.
- 59 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are discussing a new regulation at work.
- AlejandroEse comportamiento es ilegal.That behavior is illegal.
- ElenaNo sabía que era algo ilegal.I didn't know it was something illegal.
- AlejandroEs una actividad ilegal en este país.It is an illegal activity in this country.
- ElenaDebemos evitar cualquier acción ilegal.We must avoid any illegal action.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “illegal” translations and entries ilegal, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
