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How to Say "corrupt" in Spanish

English → Spanish

corrupto

/ko-ROOP-toh//koˈrupto/

adjectiveB1General
Use 'corrupto' for general dishonest or immoral behavior, especially by those in power like politicians, or for damaged computer files.
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-doh/komˈpɾa.ðo/

adjectiveB2General
Use 'comprado' when you specifically mean that an official or institution has been bribed and is therefore acting dishonestly.
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.

vendido

ven-DEE-doh/benˈdiðo/

adjectiveC1Informal/General
Use 'vendido' to describe someone who has betrayed their principles or party, often for personal gain, implying they've been 'bought' or are a sellout.
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.

General vs. Specific Bribery

Learners often use 'corrupto' for all situations involving bribery. Remember that 'comprado' specifically implies being bribed, while 'corrupto' is broader, covering general dishonesty or damaged data. 'Vendido' is even more specific, meaning 'sellout'.

Related Translations

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