true crime
/tɾwe kɾime/from spelling rules
The English phrase true crime can be translated into Spanish as true crime.
This refers to the nonfiction literary and film genre in which an author examines an actual crime. While you may see the English loanword true crime used in specialized media, you can also use the phrase documentales de crímenes reales when referring to the popular medium of true crime.
Meaning: nonfiction literary and film genre in which the author examines an actual crime (noun)
Which one should you use?
The English term true crime is often used in specialized media. In contrast, crimen real is the literal descriptive translation used to describe the genre. For more formal journalistic contexts, the term crónica negra is used to refer to the true crime genre or crime reporting.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
crónica negra is a formal journalistic term.
How do you pronounce it?
/tɾwe kɾime/
Did you know?
- While true crime is common in media, Spanish speakers often use the term nota roja to describe the sensationalist, tabloid style of crime reporting.
- In Spanish, the word crimen specifically refers to a serious offense or a felony, whereas the broader word for a crime or misdemeanor is delito.
- The term crónica negra literally translates to 'black chronicle'. In Spanish journalism, the color 'black' is traditionally used to categorize news involving death, crime and tragedy.
Examples in context
- Me encanta el género de true crime.I love the true crime genre.
- Este podcast de true crime es muy famoso.This true crime podcast is very famous.
Example conversation
Mateo and Elena are discussing what to watch on TV.
- Mateo¿Quieres ver un documental de true crime?Do you want to watch a true crime documentary?
- ElenaNo, prefiero una comedia hoy.No, I prefer a comedy today.
- MateoEstá bien, busquemos algo más ligero.Alright, let's look for something lighter.
- ElenaGracias, Mateo.Thanks, Mateo.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
