Inklingo

How to Say "accusations" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “accusations” is “acusaciones” — use 'acusaciones' for general claims or suggestions that someone has done something wrong, especially in non-legal contexts or when referring to the act of accusing itself..

English → Spanish

acusaciones

ah-koo-sah-SYOH-ness/akusaˈsiones/

nounB1general
Use 'acusaciones' for general claims or suggestions that someone has done something wrong, especially in non-legal contexts or when referring to the act of accusing itself.
A simple illustration depicting one stylized figure pointing a dramatic, accusing finger directly at another figure who appears surprised and distressed.

Examples

Las acusaciones de fraude causaron un gran escándalo en la empresa.

The accusations of fraud caused a major scandal in the company.

El abogado rechazó todas las acusaciones contra su cliente.

The lawyer rejected all the charges against his client.

¿Tienes pruebas para sustentar estas acusaciones?

Do you have evidence to support these allegations?

Gender and Number

This word is the plural form of the feminine noun la acusación. It always requires feminine plural articles and adjectives, like las or estas.

Using the wrong verb

Mistake: “Decir acusaciones (to say accusations)”

Correction: Use *hacer acusaciones* (to make accusations) or *presentar acusaciones* (to file/present charges).

cargos

/cár-gos//ˈkaɾɣos/

nounB2legal
Use 'cargos' when referring to specific, formal charges or counts of an offense, particularly in a legal or criminal context.
A colorful storybook illustration depicting a large wooden gavel mid-strike on a sound block on a judicial bench, symbolizing a legal charge or accusation.

Examples

El sospechoso se enfrenta a tres cargos de robo a mano armada.

The suspect faces three charges of armed robbery.

Los fiscales retiraron los cargos por falta de pruebas.

The prosecutors dropped the charges due to lack of evidence.

Prepositions with Legal Charges

When someone is accused, you often use the preposition 'de' (of) after 'cargos': 'cargos de fraude' (charges of fraud).

Formal Charges vs. General Claims

Learners often use 'acusaciones' when they should use 'cargos' in legal situations. Remember that 'cargos' specifically refers to the formal counts or charges brought against someone in a legal proceeding, while 'acusaciones' is broader.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.