How to Say "Police Report" in Spanish

denuncia

/deˈnunθja/

The English phrase police report is translated into Spanish as denuncia.

A denuncia refers to a formal statement given to the police to report a crime or a complaint.

Is it said differently in some regions?

In various Latin American countries, denuncia is used to refer to a police report.

The noun denuncia is derived from the verb denunciar, which is used when you are reporting a crime or an illegal act to the authorities.

/deˈnunθja/

The word denuncia is a cognate of the English word 'denounce'. However, while 'denounce' in English usually means to criticize someone publicly, in Spanish denunciar is the standard, neutral term for reporting a crime to the police.
The word denuncia originates from the Latin denuntiāre, which combined 'de' and 'nuntiare' to mean 'making a known announcement'.
While denuncia is for reporting crimes, the term querella is used for a more specific legal action where the person reporting also asks to be a party in the subsequent trial. This distinction is critical in Spanish legal systems to determine who has standing in court.

Presentar una denuncia
To file a police report
Tengo que presentar una denuncia.
I have to file a police report.
La denuncia fue muy detallada.
The police report was very detailed.
Debes ir a la comisaría para la denuncia.
You must go to the police station for the report.

Sofía and Mateo are discussing a stolen bicycle at home.

Sofía

Mateo, alguien se llevó mi bicicleta.
Mateo, someone took my bicycle.
Mateo

Lo siento mucho, Sofía. ¿Vas a hacer una denuncia?
I'm so sorry, Sofía. Are you going to file a police report?
Sofía

Sí, presentaré la denuncia mañana mismo.
Yes, I will file the report first thing tomorrow.
Mateo

Es lo mejor que puedes hacer.
It is the best thing you can do.

Sources

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