cómplice
“cómplice” means “accomplice” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
accomplice, accessory
Also: associate
📝 In Action
La policía arrestó al ladrón y a su cómplice una hora después del robo.
B1The police arrested the thief and his accomplice an hour after the robbery.
Ella fue considerada cómplice en el fraude financiero.
B2She was considered complicit (an accessory) in the financial fraud.
complicit, conspiring
Also: partner-in-crime (playful)
📝 In Action
Intercambiaron una mirada cómplice antes de empezar a reír.
B2They exchanged a knowing/complicit look before starting to laugh.
Ella es mi cómplice en todas mis aventuras locas.
B2She is my partner-in-crime (accomplice) in all my crazy adventures.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: cómplice
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'cómplice' in its figurative, non-criminal sense?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes from the Latin term *complicem*, which literally meant 'one who is folded together with' or 'one who is entangled.' It describes someone whose destiny or action is intertwined with another's.
First recorded: 15th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
¿Cómplice vs. Complicidad? (Accomplice vs. Complicity)
The word 'cómplice' refers to the *person* who helps (the accomplice). 'Complicidad' refers to the *action* or the *quality* of being involved with someone else (the complicity or partnership itself).
How do I know if 'cómplice' is male or female?
'Cómplice' is a special kind of word that doesn't change its spelling. You determine the person's gender by the article you use: 'El cómplice' (male) or 'La cómplice' (female). The word itself stays the same.