Inklingo

How to Say "corrupt" in Spanish

English → Spanish

corrupto

ko-ROOP-tohkoˈrupto

adjectiveB1general
Use this when referring to general dishonest or immoral behavior, especially by people in positions of power like politicians.
A person in a suit handing a heavy bag of gold coins to another person under a table.

Examples

Muchos ciudadanos están cansados de los políticos corruptos.

Many citizens are tired of corrupt politicians.

Es difícil hacer negocios en un sistema corrupto.

It is difficult to do business in a corrupt system.

No puedo abrir el documento porque el archivo está corrupto.

I can't open the document because the file is corrupt.

Gender Agreement

Since this is a describing word ending in 'o', it changes to 'corrupta' when talking about a woman or a feminine object, like 'una empresa corrupta'.

Corrupto vs. Corrompido

Mistake: “Using 'corrompido' to describe a person's character.”

Correction: Use 'corrupto' for people who take bribes. 'Corrompido' is more often used for things that have physically rotted or been ruined.

comprado

kom-PRAH-dohkomˈpɾa.ðo

adjectiveB2general
This specifically means someone (like an official) has been bribed and is no longer acting impartially.
Two figures meeting in a dark, empty room. One figure is discreetly sliding a large stack of cash across a plain wooden table towards the other figure, suggesting a bribe.

Examples

Se rumorea que el juez está comprado.

It is rumored that the judge is bribed/corrupt.

La prensa estaba comprada y no publicó la verdad.

The press was bought off and did not publish the truth.

Figurative Meaning

This meaning extends the idea of 'buying' something to mean 'buying the loyalty or silence of a person,' implying corruption.

corrupto

adjectiveB2technical
Use this when referring to damaged or unreadable digital files or data.

Examples

No puedo abrir el documento porque el archivo está corrupto.

I can't open the document because the file is corrupt.

vendido

ven-DEE-dohbenˈdiðo

adjectiveC1informal
This implies someone has betrayed their principles or group, often by accepting a bribe or changing allegiance for personal gain.
A shifty-looking figure in a simple uniform secretly accepts a large, bulging sack of gold coins behind a pillar, symbolizing a traitorous act.

Examples

La gente lo considera un vendido por cambiar de partido.

People consider him a sellout for changing parties.

Ella fue acusada de ser una vendida a los intereses corporativos.

She was accused of being sold out to corporate interests.

Used as a Noun

This adjective is often used like a noun, especially when preceded by 'un' or 'una' ('un vendido', 'una vendida'). It describes a person who has 'sold' their soul or principles.

mafioso

ma-fee-OH-somaˈfjo.so

adjectiveB2informal
Use this to describe someone or something that resembles or acts like a criminal organization, implying shady or illegal dealings.
A suspicious person in a long trench coat and sunglasses lurking behind a large green bush.

Examples

Ese tipo tiene un aspecto muy mafioso.

That guy has a very shady/mafia-like look.

No me gustan sus métodos mafiosos.

I don't like his shady/mob-like methods.

El negocio cerró por sus tratos mafiosos.

The business closed because of its corrupt dealings.

Matching the Noun

Since this is a describing word (adjective), it must match the thing it describes. Use 'mafioso' for masculine things (un negocio mafioso) and 'mafiosa' for feminine things (una mirada mafiosa).

Using it for any crime

Mistake: “Su robo fue muy mafioso.”

Correction: Su robo fue muy profesional/sucio.

Corrupto vs. Comprado

Learners often confuse 'corrupto' and 'comprado'. Remember that 'corrupto' is a general term for dishonesty, while 'comprado' specifically means someone has been bribed to act against their duty.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.