sospecha
“sospecha” means “suspicion” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
suspicion
Also: doubt, inkling
📝 In Action
La policía actuó bajo la sospecha de fraude.
B1The police acted under the suspicion of fraud.
No tengo ninguna sospecha sobre su honestidad.
A2I don't have any suspicion about his honesty.
Su comportamiento levantó muchas sospechas.
B2His behavior raised a lot of suspicions.
he/she/it suspects
Also: (you formal) suspect
📝 In Action
Ella sospecha que su vecino sabe la verdad.
A2She suspects that her neighbor knows the truth.
¿Usted sospecha que hubo un error en el cálculo?
B1Do you (formal) suspect that there was an error in the calculation?
Si el perro sospecha algo, ladra mucho.
A2If the dog suspects something, it barks a lot.
Indicative
Present
Imperfect
Preterite
Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: sospecha
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'sospecha' as a description of a feeling (a noun)?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin verb *suspectare*, meaning 'to look up at, to view with mistrust or doubt.'
First recorded: Medieval Spanish
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'sospecha' and 'sospechar'?
They are related! 'Sospecha' (feminine noun) is the feeling of doubt or mistrust itself. 'Sospechar' (verb) is the action of having that feeling. The word form 'sospecha' is also the conjugated verb form for 'he/she/it suspects' ('Él sospecha').
How do I say 'I am suspicious'?
You usually say 'Tengo una sospecha' (I have a suspicion) or 'Soy sospechoso/a' (I am a suspicious person/figure). You can also use the verb: 'Sospecho' (I suspect).