delito menor
/delito menoɾ/from spelling rules
In Spanish, misdemeanor is delito menor.
The term is used to describe a small crime.
Meaning: small crime (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of delito (crime/offense) and menor (minor/lesser).
Which one should you use?
While delito menor refers to a misdemeanor, delito grave is used to refer to a felony.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the phrase plural, change the noun to delitos and the adjective to menores.
How do you pronounce it?
/delito menoɾ/
Did you know?
- While English uses 'crime' broadly, some Spanish regions reserve the word crimen specifically for heinous acts like murder.
- In some Spanish-speaking legal systems, a falta is an offense even less serious than a delito menor.
- The word delito is a cognate of the rare English legal term 'delict'. While 'delict' is seldom used in common speech, it refers to a civil wrong or a breach of duty.
Examples in context
- Tom se declaró culpable de delito menor por conducir ebrio en Nueva York.Tom pleaded guilty to misdemeanor drunken driving charges in New York.This sentence shows how to use delito menor when discussing legal pleas.Tatoeba #5921165 by albrusgher, translation #952865 by CK
- No pagar el estacionamiento puede considerarse una contravención en algunas ciudades.Not paying for parking can be considered a misdemeanor in some cities.
- El robo de un dulce es un delito menor.Stealing a candy is a misdemeanor.
- No debería ser un delito menor.It shouldn't be a misdemeanor.
Example conversation
Javier and Sofía are discussing a legal case.
- Javier¿Es un crimen grave?Is it a serious crime?
- SofíaNo, Javier, solo es un delito menor.No, Javier, it is only a misdemeanor.
- JavierEntonces no tendrá una pena larga.Then he won't have a long sentence.
- SofíaExacto, probablemente solo pagará una multa.Exactly, he will probably only pay a fine.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries delito, menor, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
