ilegales
/ee-leh-GAH-lehs/
illegal
The word "ilegales" can mean things that are against the law, or illegal.
📝 In Action
La venta de esas sustancias es completamente ilegal y las autoridades están investigando.
B1The sale of those substances is completely illegal and the authorities are investigating.
Las descargas ilegales han afectado mucho a la industria musical.
B2Illegal downloads have greatly affected the music industry.
💡 Grammar Points
Agreement is Key
Since 'ilegales' is a plural adjective, it must match the noun it describes in number (plural) and gender (masculine or feminine). It works for both: 'acciones ilegales' (feminine) and 'negocios ilegales' (masculine).
⭐ Usage Tips
The Negative Prefix
This word is built from the positive word 'legal' by adding the prefix 'i-' (a variant of 'in-') which means 'not' or 'the opposite of'.
"Ilegales" is sometimes used as a term referring to undocumented people, although more respectful terms are often preferred.
ilegales(Noun)
undocumented people
?preferred and respectful term
illegal immigrants
?direct but often sensitive/controversial translation
📝 In Action
El debate se centró en la situación de los ilegales que viven en la ciudad sin papeles.
B2The debate focused on the situation of the undocumented people living in the city without papers.
El gobierno ha prometido buscar soluciones para los ilegales que trabajan en la agricultura.
C1The government has promised to find solutions for the undocumented individuals working in agriculture.
💡 Grammar Points
Adjective to Noun
Like many Spanish adjectives, 'ilegal' can be used as a noun simply by placing the article ('los' or 'las') in front of it, turning the description ('illegal') into the person ('the illegal person/people').
⭐ Usage Tips
Sensitivity Warning
In modern discourse, especially in journalism and humanitarian contexts, using 'indocumentados' (undocumented) or 'personas sin papeles' (people without papers) is strongly preferred over 'ilegales' when referring to people, as it is seen as more humane and less judgmental.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: ilegales
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'ilegales' as a noun (referring to people)?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the singular form of 'ilegales'?
The singular form is 'ilegal,' which can be used for both masculine and feminine singular nouns (e.g., 'un acto ilegal,' 'una acción ilegal').
Is 'ilegales' always a negative word?
Yes, by definition, 'ilegal' always means 'not conforming to the law or rules,' so it carries a negative connotation related to legality.