Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| robo | /ˈrobo/ | masculine |
| hurto | /ˈuɾto/ | masculine |
| shacamento | /sakamento/ (from spelling rules) | Argentina, masculine |
The term for the act of stealing property depends on the context and method used. Robo is the most common term used in most Spanish-speaking countries. In legal contexts, hurto is used to describe theft and sustracción can also be used in formal settings to convey the idea of theft. If the theft involves deception or trickery, it may be referred to as estafa (fraud).
Which one should you use?
While both terms refer to theft, robo typically implies the use of force, violence or intimidation against a person or property. In contrast, hurto is a legal term used specifically for theft where an object is taken without the victim's knowledge and without any use of force or violence.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, the term shacamento is used to refer to theft. In certain Latin American countries, piratería is used specifically to describe theft related to copyright infringement or the sale of counterfeit goods. In South America, parts of Central America and certain Caribbean countries, the slang term choreo is used for theft.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of robo is robos, and the plural form of hurto is hurtos.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈrobo/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word robo does not come from Latin, but from the Germanic Frankish word raubōn, which is a distant relative of the English word 'rob'.
- Using the word robo when no force was used can be a factual error in a Spanish police report, as hurto must be used for stealthy theft.
Examples in context
- Fue acusado de robo.He was accused of theft.This sentence shows how to use robo when being accused of a crime.Tatoeba #3456849 by diegohn, translation #292330 by CK
- Él es culpable de robo.He is guilty of theft.This sentence shows how to use robo to express guilt.Tatoeba #455660 by Shishir, translation #455289 by CM
- ¿Cómo denuncio un robo?How do I report a theft?This sentence shows how to use robo when asking how to report a crime.Tatoeba #1332397 by Shishir, translation #279865 by CK
- El robo de mi cartera fue muy traumáticoThe theft of my wallet was very traumatic
- Intento de hurtoAttempted theft
- Hurto agravadoAggravated theft
- 16 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Alejandro are talking about a recent incident at a shop.
- ElenaEl robo ocurrió muy rápido.The theft happened very quickly.
- AlejandroEs una pena que pasara esto.It is a shame this happened.
- ElenaAlejandro, ¿viste al sospechoso?Alejandro, did you see the suspect?
- AlejandroNo, pero llamaré a la policía.No, but I will call the police.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “theft” translations and entries robo, hurto, 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 hurto, robo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
