How to Say "convict" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “convict” is “condenado” — use 'condenado' when referring to a person who has been officially found guilty of a crime and is serving a sentence.
condenado
kon-deh-NAH-dohkon.deˈna.ðo
Examples
El condenado intentó escapar de la cárcel.
The convict tried to escape from the jail.
Los condenados tienen derecho a un juicio justo.
Sentenced individuals have the right to a fair trial.
Adjective to Noun
Many Spanish adjectives that describe a person can easily become nouns simply by adding the article 'el' or 'la.' Here, 'el condenado' means 'the sentenced one.'
recluso
ray-KLOO-soreˈkluso
Examples
El recluso cumplió su condena de cinco años.
The inmate served his five-year sentence.
Cada recluso tiene derecho a una hora de ejercicio al aire libre.
Every prisoner is entitled to one hour of outdoor exercise.
Los guardias vigilan a los reclusos durante el almuerzo.
The guards watch the inmates during lunch.
Gender Endings
Use 'recluso' for a male inmate and change it to 'reclusa' if you are talking about a female inmate.
Nouns and Adjectives
This word works as a person (the inmate) but can also describe the state of being locked away.
Recluso vs. Detenido
Mistake: “Using 'recluso' for someone just arrested.”
Correction: Use 'detenido' for someone recently arrested; 'recluso' usually implies they are already living in the prison system.
reo
REH-ohˈreo
Examples
El reo fue escoltado por dos policías.
The prisoner was escorted by two police officers.
Los derechos del reo deben ser respetados.
The convict's rights must be respected.
Se sentó en el banquillo de los reos.
He sat in the defendant's dock.
Gender and People
When talking about a man, use 'el reo'. For a woman, the word changes to 'la rea'. This is common for nouns describing people in Spanish.
Plurals
To talk about a group of prisoners, just add 's' to make it 'reos'. If the group is all women, use 'reas'.
Reo vs. Preso
Mistake: “Using 'reo' for every person in a movie about jail.”
Correction: Use 'preso' for general prisoners and 'reo' specifically when talking about the legal process or the person found guilty by a judge.
convicto
kohn-BEEK-tohkonˈbikto
Examples
El convicto fue trasladado a una prisión de alta seguridad.
The convict was moved to a high-security prison.
Muchos convictos estudian carreras universitarias tras las rejas.
Many convicts study university degrees behind bars.
La policía busca a un convicto que escapó ayer.
The police are looking for a convict who escaped yesterday.
People words ending in 'o'
This word usually refers to a male. If you are talking about a woman, the ending changes to 'a' (convicta), but the way you use it in the sentence stays the same.
Preso vs. Convicto
Mistake: “Using 'convicto' for everyone in jail.”
Correction: Use 'preso' for anyone in jail; use 'convicto' only for those who have been officially found guilty by a judge.
forzado
for-SAH-dohforˈθaðo
Examples
El forzado cumplía su condena en las minas.
The convict was serving his sentence in the mines.
General vs. Specific Terms
Related Translations
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