A close-up view of a pair of simple, shiny silver handcuffs resting on a brightly colored surface.

delito

deh-LEE-toh

nounmB2

crime?A serious legal offense,offense?A violation of the law

Also:misdemeanor?Less severe crime,felony?More severe crime (depending on regional legal systems)

📝 In Action

Cometer un delito grave puede resultar en prisión.

Committing a serious crime can result in prison.

El robo es un delito contra la propiedad privada.

Theft is an offense against private property.

La policía investiga si hubo un delito de fraude fiscal.

The police are investigating whether there was a crime of tax fraud.

Word Connections

Synonyms

crimen (crime (often used for more serious offenses))
falta (minor offense or violation)
infracción (infraction, violation)

Antonyms

inocencia (innocence)

Common Collocations

cometer un delito – to commit a crime
castigar un delito – to punish a crime
delito menor – minor offense/misdemeanor

💡 Grammar Points

Using 'Cometer'

To talk about performing a crime, you almost always use the verb 'cometer' (to commit): 'Cometió un delito' (He committed a crime).

❌ Common Pitfalls

Delito vs. Culpa

Mistake: "Using 'culpa' when you mean 'crime'."

Correction: 'Delito' is the illegal act itself, while 'culpa' means 'fault' or 'guilt' (the feeling or attribution of responsibility). Say 'Fue un delito' (It was a crime), not 'Fue una culpa'.

⭐ Usage Tips

Focus on Legality

This word is strictly tied to breaking the law. If something is just 'wrong' or 'bad behavior' but not illegal, use a word like 'error' or 'mala acción'.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: delito

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence correctly uses 'delito'?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

delincuente(criminal, offender) - noun

delictivo(criminal (adjective)) - adjective

Frequently Asked Questions

¿Cuál es la diferencia entre 'delito' y 'crimen'?

In everyday speech, they are often used interchangeably, but 'crimen' usually implies a more severe, violent, or premeditated act (like murder). 'Delito' is the general legal term for any offense, big or small.