sospechoso
“sospechoso” means “suspicious” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
suspicious, doubtful
Also: fishy, questionable
📝 In Action
Encontraron un paquete sospechoso debajo de la mesa.
B1They found a suspicious package under the table.
Su comportamiento era muy sospechoso cuando le preguntamos por el dinero.
B2His behavior was very suspicious when we asked him about the money.
Me parece sospechosa esa oferta de trabajo; pagan demasiado.
B1That job offer seems doubtful to me; they pay too much.
suspect
Also: person of interest
📝 In Action
La policía interrogó a tres sospechosos después del robo.
B2The police questioned three suspects after the robbery.
El principal sospechoso fue detenido anoche.
B2The main suspect was arrested last night.
Ella es la sospechosa en este caso de fraude.
B2She is the suspect in this fraud case.
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: sospechoso
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'sospechoso' as a Noun?
📚 More Resources
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the verb 'sospechar' (to suspect), which traces back to the Latin verb *suspicari*, meaning 'to look up at secretly' or 'to mistrust.' The feeling of looking around cautiously evolved into the meaning of distrust or suspicion.
First recorded: Around the 14th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'sospechoso' always negative?
Yes, 'sospechoso' nearly always carries a negative feeling, implying that something is wrong, illegal, or untrustworthy. It means the situation invites doubt or distrust.
What's the difference between 'sospechoso' and 'sospecha'?
'Sospechoso' is an adjective (suspicious) or the person (the suspect). 'Sospecha' is the feeling itself—the abstract noun meaning 'suspicion' or 'doubt.'