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inocente

/ee-noh-SEHN-tay/

innocent

A simple illustration of a person standing in a bright field, holding a white dove, symbolizing innocence and freedom from guilt.

Inocente as "innocent" (not guilty of a crime).

inocente(Adjective)

m/fB1

innocent

?

not guilty of a crime

,

harmless

?

not causing damage or harm

Also:

not guilty

?

legal verdict

📝 In Action

El abogado demostró que su cliente era totalmente inocente.

B1

The lawyer proved that their client was totally innocent (not guilty).

Parece una mentira inocente, pero causó problemas.

B2

It seems like a harmless lie, but it caused problems.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • libre de culpa (free of blame)
  • cándido (candid/pure)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • declarar inocente – to declare innocent
  • una broma inocente – a harmless joke

💡 Grammar Points

Adjective Form

Since 'inocente' ends in '-e', the form is the same for masculine and feminine: 'el niño inocente' and 'la niña inocente'.

⭐ Usage Tips

Placement

Like most adjectives, 'inocente' usually goes after the noun (un error inocente). Placing it before the noun can emphasize the quality.

A simplistic illustration showing a naive young figure smiling and shaking hands with a sly fox holding a clearly fake gold object.

Inocente meaning "naive," easily fooled due to lack of experience.

inocente(Adjective)

m/fA2

naive

?

easily fooled due to lack of experience

,

pure

?

childlike or simplistic

📝 In Action

Mi hermana es muy inocente; cree todo lo que le dices.

A2

My sister is very naive; she believes everything you tell her.

El bebé tiene ojos grandes y una mirada muy inocente.

A1

The baby has big eyes and a very innocent gaze.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • ingenuo (naive)
  • simple (simple/gullible)

Antonyms

  • astuto (cunning)
  • experimentado (experienced)

❌ Common Pitfalls

Confusing Naivety and Guilt

Mistake: "Using 'culpable' when you mean 'experienced/jaded' in a non-legal sense."

Correction: Use 'inocente' for both 'not guilty' and 'naive.' The context makes the meaning clear.

A storybook illustration of a small child sitting calmly beside a white lamb in a peaceful, bright garden.

Used as a noun, inocente refers to an "innocent person," someone without guilt or experience.

inocente(Noun)

m/fB2

innocent person

?

a person without guilt or experience

,

naive person

?

a person who is easily deceived

📝 In Action

No puedes culpar al inocente por los errores de otros.

B2

You cannot blame the innocent person for the mistakes of others.

Ella es una inocente en este mundo de negocios complicado.

B2

She is a naive person (an innocent) in this complicated business world.

Word Connections

Common Collocations

  • caer el inocente – the innocent person takes the blame
  • Día de los Santos Inocentes – Day of the Holy Innocents (Spanish equivalent of April Fool's Day)

Idioms & Expressions

  • Pagar el inocente – To pay the consequences for something you didn't do.

💡 Grammar Points

Adjective to Noun

You can turn this adjective into a noun by simply adding the article ('el' or 'la'). 'El inocente' refers to a male innocent person; 'la inocente' refers to a female innocent person.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: inocente

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence uses 'inocente' in the sense of being naive or easily tricked?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

inocencia(innocence) - noun
inocentemente(innocently) - adverb

Frequently Asked Questions

Does 'inocente' change form for gender?

No. As an adjective, 'inocente' is invariable, meaning it stays the same whether you are describing a man (el hombre inocente) or a woman (la mujer inocente). Only the article changes when it's used as a noun ('el inocente' vs. 'la inocente').

What is the difference between 'inocente' and 'cándido'?

'Inocente' is the general word for 'not guilty' or 'pure.' 'Cándido' usually emphasizes simplicity, sincerity, and sweetness, often implying a very charming kind of naivety.