Inklingo

How to Say "arrest" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “arrest” is “detención” — use this term for the formal act of being taken into custody by police or other authorities..

English → Spanish

detención

nounB2formal
Use this term for the formal act of being taken into custody by police or other authorities.

Examples

La detención del sospechoso ocurrió sin incidentes.

The suspect's arrest occurred without incident.

arresto

/ah-RREHS-toh//aˈrresto/

nounB1formal
This is a direct cognate and refers to the legal act or process of detaining someone, often used in more official or legal contexts.
A simple drawing of a police officer in uniform gently applying handcuffs to the wrist of a civilian.

Examples

La policía ejecutó el arresto sin resistencia.

The police carried out the arrest without resistance.

El sospechoso quedó bajo arresto domiciliario.

The suspect remained under house arrest.

El juez firmó la orden de arresto ayer.

The judge signed the arrest warrant yesterday.

Always Masculine

Even though it ends in '-o', remember that 'arresto' is always a masculine noun, meaning you use 'el' or 'un' with it.

Using the Wrong Verb

Mistake: “Hacer un arresto”

Correction: Realizar un arresto (or simply 'arrestar'). Spanish speakers usually use 'realizar' (to carry out) or the verb 'arrestar' (to arrest) instead of 'hacer' (to make).

detengan

/deh-TEHN-gahn//deˈten.ɡan/

verbB1formal
Use this verb form when referring to the action of authorities taking suspects into custody, often in a request or command from a higher authority.
A simplified illustration showing one person gently but firmly grasping the wrist and arm of another person, preventing them from moving forward, symbolizing detention.

Examples

La policía ha pedido que detengan a los sospechosos de inmediato.

The police have asked that they detain the suspects immediately.

¡Detengan al ladrón! No dejen que escape.

Detain the thief! Don't let him escape.

Formal Context

When 'detengan' is used in a legal or official context, it almost always means 'to take into custody' or 'to arrest,' rather than just 'to stop a car.'

detén

verbA2informal
This is an informal, singular command used to tell someone to stop or halt, often in a situation where you want them to cease movement, not necessarily a formal police arrest.

Examples

¡Detén el coche, hay un perro en la calle!

Stop the car, there is a dog in the street!

Formal vs. Informal 'Arrest'

Learners often confuse 'arresto' and 'detención' with the verb 'detén'. Remember that 'arresto' and 'detención' are nouns referring to the event, while 'detén' is an informal verb command to stop. Use 'detengan' for the plural or formal 'they' form of the verb.

Related Translations

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