delincuentes
“delincuentes” means “criminals” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
criminals, offenders
Also: lawbreakers
📝 In Action
La policía capturó a los tres delincuentes después de la persecución.
B2The police captured the three criminals after the chase.
Las autoridades buscan soluciones para reducir el número de delincuentes juveniles.
C1The authorities are looking for solutions to reduce the number of juvenile offenders.
Los delincuentes fueron llevados a la comisaría.
B2The offenders were taken to the police station.
delinquent, criminal
Also: offending
📝 In Action
Las actividades delincuentes han aumentado en la zona.
C1Delinquent activities have increased in the area.
Necesitamos combatir las estructuras delincuentes que operan aquí.
C1We need to combat the criminal structures operating here.
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: delincuentes
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly uses 'delincuentes' as a noun?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes from the Latin verb *delinquere*, meaning 'to fail' or 'to be wanting,' specifically in the sense of failing one's duty or failing to do what is required by law.
First recorded: Medieval Spanish period, derived from the Latin root.
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'delincuentes' and 'criminales'?
They are often interchangeable. 'Delincuentes' is slightly broader and emphasizes that the people have committed a 'delito' (a specific offense). 'Criminales' often implies a more serious or habitual lawbreaker.
How do I make this word singular?
The singular form is 'delincuente,' which is the same whether you are talking about a man ('el delincuente') or a woman ('la delincuente').