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pecado

peh-CAH-doh/peˈkaðo/

“pecado” means “sin” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

sin

Also: transgression, fault
NounmB1
A simple cartoon figure standing awkwardly, hiding a single bright red apple behind their back, illustrating a moral transgression or sin.

📝 In Action

Mentir por costumbre se considera un pecado grave.

B1

Lying habitually is considered a serious sin.

El sacerdote habló sobre el arrepentimiento de los pecados.

B2

The priest spoke about the repentance of sins.

Muchas culturas tienen ideas diferentes sobre lo que es un pecado.

B1

Many cultures have different ideas about what a sin is.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • falta (fault)
  • ofensa (offense)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • cometer un pecado – to commit a sin
  • perdón de pecados – forgiveness of sins

shame, waste

Also: error
NounmB2informal
A sad, simple figure sitting next to a puddle of spilled milk on the floor, holding their head in their hands in an expression of great disappointment or regret.

📝 In Action

Es un pecado tirar tanta comida; mejor dónala.

B2

It's a shame/waste to throw away so much food; better to donate it.

¡Qué pecado que no pudieras venir a la fiesta!

B2

What a pity/shame that you couldn't come to the party!

Dejar de estudiar ahora sería un pecado.

C1

Stopping studying now would be a terrible mistake (a shame).

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • ser un pecado – to be a shame/pity

Idioms & Expressions

  • quedarse con el pecado y la penitencia – to suffer the consequences without having enjoyed the wrongdoing

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "pecado" in Spanish:

error→fault→shame→sin→transgression→waste→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: pecado

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence uses 'pecado' in its figurative sense (meaning 'shame' or 'waste')?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
pecar(to sin) — Verb
pecador(sinner) — Noun
pecaminoso(sinful) — Adjective
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

The word comes directly from the Latin word *peccātum*, which meant 'fault,' 'error,' or 'transgression,' especially in a moral or religious sense. It has been used in Spanish since the earliest written records.

First recorded: 10th-11th century

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: pecadoItalian: peccato

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'pecado' and 'error'?

'Error' is a mistake, usually unintentional or technical (like a calculation error). 'Pecado' implies a moral failure, a serious fault, or a deliberate breaking of a moral rule. 'Pecado' carries much more weight.

How do you say 'to sin' in Spanish?

The verb form is 'pecar' (a regular -ar verb). For example, 'No quiero pecar' (I don't want to sin).