Inklingo

How to Say "conviction" in Spanish

English → Spanish

condena

/kon-DEH-nah//konˈde.na/

nounB1formal
Use 'condena' when referring to a formal judgment of guilt in a legal proceeding, like a prison sentence.
A close-up view of a large wooden judge's gavel resting on a round wooden sound block, symbolizing a final judicial decision.

Examples

La corte dictó una condena de diez años de prisión.

The court handed down a sentence of ten years in prison.

Su condena por fraude arruinó su carrera.

His conviction for fraud ruined his career.

El presidente expresó su condena por los actos de violencia.

The president expressed his condemnation of the acts of violence.

Gender and Articles

Since 'condena' is feminine, always use 'la' before it, or 'una' if you mean 'a sentence' (e.g., 'la condena', 'una condena').

Confusing 'Condena' and 'Sentencia'

Mistake: “Using 'sentencia' only for the punishment length.”

Correction: 'Sentencia' usually refers to the judge's ruling or verdict, while 'condena' refers specifically to the punishment imposed.

creencia

/kre-EHN-syah//kɾeˈenθja/

nounB1
Choose 'creencia' for a strong opinion or personal belief that someone holds, often about abstract ideas or general truths.
A small child planting a tiny seed in the soil with a look of hope and confidence.

Examples

Es una creencia popular que las zanahorias mejoran la vista.

It is a popular belief that carrots improve your eyesight.

Mi creencia es que la educación es la clave del éxito.

My belief is that education is the key to success.

Debemos respetar las creencias de los demás.

We must respect the beliefs of others.

Feminine Noun

This word is feminine. Always use feminine markers like 'la creencia' or 'una creencia'.

Plural Form

To talk about more than one, simply add an 's' to make 'creencias'. This is very common when talking about religion or culture.

Confusing 'belief' with 'believe'

Mistake: “Yo creencia que...”

Correction: Use the action word 'creer' (I believe = Yo creo). Use 'creencia' only as the name of the idea (The belief = La creencia).

sentimiento

/sen-tee-MYEN-toh//sen.tiˈmjen.to/

nounB2
Use 'sentimiento' to describe a prevailing mood, opinion, or deep-seated principle shared by a group.
A simple illustration showing three diverse figures standing together, all raising their thumbs up in unison, symbolizing a shared general attitude.

Examples

El sentimiento general en la sala era de optimismo.

The general sentiment in the room was one of optimism.

Con un sentimiento patriótico, el presidente dio su discurso.

With a patriotic conviction, the president gave his speech.

Formal Usage

In this context, 'sentimiento' often refers to a collective or abstract belief, similar to the English word 'sentiment' when discussing public opinion.

Belief vs. Legal Finding

The most common mistake is confusing 'creencia' (belief) with 'condena' (legal conviction/sentence). Remember that 'condena' is strictly for legal contexts, while 'creencia' refers to personal or popular opinions and firmly held ideas.

Related Translations

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