delincuentes
/deh-leen-KWEN-tehs/
criminals
Delincuentes (noun) refers to people who commit crimes, or criminals.
delincuentes(noun)
criminals
?people who commit crimes
,offenders
?legal term for those who violate the law
lawbreakers
?general term
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Flexibility
Since 'delincuentes' ends in '-es', it can refer to a group of men, a group of women, or a mixed group. To talk about one person, use 'el delincuente' (man) or 'la delincuente' (woman).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the Singular Form
Mistake: "Using 'delincuente' when talking about two or more people."
Correction: Always remember the '-s' to make it plural: 'Los delincuentes' (The criminals).
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal Context
This word is often preferred over 'criminales' in formal news reports and official documents because it emphasizes the act of committing a crime (delito).
When used as an adjective, delincuentes can describe behavior or activities that are delinquent or criminal.
delincuentes(adjective)
delinquent
?describing activities or behavior
,criminal
?describing organizations or groups
offending
?acting in violation of the law
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Agreement is Key
As an adjective, 'delincuentes' must match the noun it describes in number. Since it ends in '-es', it only describes plural nouns (like 'actividades' or 'grupos').
⭐ Usage Tips
Using it as an Attribute
This form is often used to describe types of behavior, like 'hábitos delincuentes' (criminal habits), rather than just the person.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: delincuentes
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly uses 'delincuentes' as a noun?
📚 More Resources
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').