asesino en serie
/asesino en seɾje/from spelling rulesmasculine
The English phrase "serial killer" is translated into Spanish as asesino en serie. Wiktionary also lists asesina en serie and asesino serial.
Meaning: person who commits multiple murders (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| asesino en serie | /asesino en seɾje/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| asesina en serie | /asesina en seɾje/ (from spelling rules) | feminine |
| asesino serial | /asesino seɾjal/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
A serial killer is a person who commits multiple murders.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase asesino en serie literally translates to "killer in series".
Which one should you use?
Asesino en serie is the more traditional and widely accepted term. In contrast, asesino serial is a more modern variation that has been influenced by English.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Asesino serial is often used in more informal or journalistic contexts due to the influence of English-language media.
How does it change in a sentence?
Use the feminine form asesina en serie when referring specifically to a female serial killer.
How do you pronounce it?
/asesino en seɾje/
Did you know?
- The word asesino may have roots in the Arabic word for 'hashish users', specifically referring to the legendary 'Hashshashin' sect. This creates a distant linguistic link between the term for a killer and the consumption of psychoactive substances.
- In legal Spanish, the term asesino implies a specific intent to kill, distinguishing it from homicida, which is a more general term for someone who causes a death.
Examples in context
- Eres un asesino en serie.You're a serial killer.This sentence is useful for identifying someone as an asesino en serie.Tatoeba #1125847 by cueyayotl, translation #1125740 by ddnktr
- Betty es una asesina en serie.Betty is a serial killer.This sentence is useful for identifying a female as an asesina en serie.Tatoeba #504515 by Shishir, translation #423490 by CP
- Tom no tenía ni idea de que Mary fuera una asesina en serie.Tom had no idea that Mary was a serial killer.This sentence is useful for describing a female person as an asesina en serie.Tatoeba #1098192 by Shishir, translation #1042558 by CK
- Jack el Destripador fue uno de los asesinos en serie más conocidos de la historia.Jack the Ripper was one of the most well-known serial killers in history.
- No puedo creer que haya un asesino en serie suelto en nuestra ciudad.I can't believe there's a serial killer on the loose in our city.
Example conversation
María and Alejandro are discussing a true crime documentary.
- MaríaEste documental sobre el asesino en serie es aterrador.This documentary about the serial killer is terrifying.
- AlejandroEs verdad, Alejandro no puede dejar de verlo.It's true, Alejandro can't stop watching it.
- María¿Cómo pudo un asesino en serie esconderse tanto tiempo?How could a serial killer hide for so long?
- AlejandroCreo que llevaba una vida muy normal.I think he led a very normal life.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “serial killer” translations and entries asesino en serie, asesina en serie, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries asesino, en, serial, serie, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
