persecución
/pehr-seh-koo-syohn/
chase
When referring to a physical pursuit, persecución means "chase."
persecución(noun)
chase
?physical pursuit, often by police
pursuit
?the act of following rapidly
📝 In Action
La persecución policial terminó en un callejón sin salida.
B1The police chase ended in a dead-end alley.
Hubo una intensa persecución a pie después del robo.
B2There was an intense foot chase after the robbery.
💡 Grammar Points
Always Feminine
Remember that 'persecución' always uses feminine words before it (like articles and adjectives): 'una persecución', 'la persecución violenta'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Use with Action Verbs
You usually use verbs like 'iniciar' (to start), 'terminar' (to end), or 'escapar' (to escape) with this meaning of 'persecución'.
When referring to systemic mistreatment or oppression, persecución means "persecution."
persecución(noun)
persecution
?systemic mistreatment or oppression
harassment
?severe, relentless mistreatment
📝 In Action
La persecución por sus creencias religiosas obligó a muchos a buscar refugio.
C1The persecution for their religious beliefs forced many to seek refuge.
La historia está llena de ejemplos de persecución política.
C2History is full of examples of political persecution.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the Wrong Preposition
Mistake: "La persecución contra los líderes."
Correction: La persecución de los líderes. (Use 'de' to introduce the people being persecuted, or 'contra' if you are referring to a fight against the act itself.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Distinguish the Meaning
When you see 'persecución' in a serious news article or history book, remember it means systemic oppression (like unfair treatment of a group), not just someone running away from the police.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: persecución
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'persecución' to mean 'systemic oppression'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
¿Por qué 'persecución' es femenino?
Most Spanish nouns that end in '-ción' (which are often created from verbs, like 'perseguir' -> 'persecución') are feminine. This is a very reliable pattern to remember for similar words (like 'acción,' 'canción,' 'nación').