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How to Say "crime" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “crime” is “crimen” — use 'crimen' when referring to a specific, serious illegal act or an event where a crime has occurred, like a murder or robbery.

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crimen

KREE-menˈkɾimen

nounB1general
Use 'crimen' when referring to a specific, serious illegal act or an event where a crime has occurred, like a murder or robbery.
A masked figure sneaking away from a large, stylized house, carrying a small sack of stolen goods, representing a serious illegal act.

Examples

La policía está investigando la escena del crimen.

The police are investigating the crime scene.

El robo a mano armada es un crimen muy grave.

Armed robbery is a very serious crime.

Fue condenado por un crimen que no cometió.

He was convicted of a crime he did not commit.

Always Masculine: 'el crimen'

Even though it doesn't end in -o, 'crimen' is a masculine word. Always say 'el crimen' or 'un crimen'. This is common for many words ending in -en or -men that come from older languages, like 'el examen' (the exam).

'Crimen' vs. 'Delito'

Mistake: “Usar 'crimen' para un robo de tienda. (Using 'crimen' for shoplifting.)”

Correction: En español, 'crimen' se usa para algo muy serio, como un asesinato. Para ofensas menores, como robar en una tienda, la palabra 'delito' es mucho más común. Piensa en 'crimen' como 'felony' y 'delito' como un término más general para cualquier 'offense'.

delito

deh-LEE-tohdeˈlito

nounB2legal
Use 'delito' for a legal offense, particularly when discussing it in a formal or legal context, emphasizing the violation of the law.
A close-up view of a pair of simple, shiny silver handcuffs resting on a brightly colored surface.

Examples

Cometer un delito grave puede resultar en prisión.

Committing a serious crime can result in prison.

El robo es un delito contra la propiedad privada.

Theft is an offense against private property.

La policía investiga si hubo un delito de fraude fiscal.

The police are investigating whether there was a crime of tax fraud.

Using 'Cometer'

To talk about performing a crime, you almost always use the verb 'cometer' (to commit): 'Cometió un delito' (He committed a crime).

Delito vs. Culpa

Mistake: “Using 'culpa' when you mean 'crime'.”

Correction: 'Delito' is the illegal act itself, while 'culpa' means 'fault' or 'guilt' (the feeling or attribution of responsibility). Say 'Fue un delito' (It was a crime), not 'Fue una culpa'.

delincuencia

de-leen-KWEN-syahdelinˈkwensja

nounB1general
Use 'delincuencia' to talk about crime as a general social problem or phenomenon, often in discussions about statistics, trends, or societal issues.
A storybook illustration of a shadowy figure wearing a mask and a striped shirt carrying a sack over their shoulder.

Examples

El gobierno está trabajando para reducir la delincuencia en la ciudad.

The government is working to reduce crime in the city.

La delincuencia juvenil es un tema preocupante para los padres.

Juvenile delinquency is a worrying topic for parents.

Muchos factores sociales influyen en el aumento de la delincuencia.

Many social factors influence the increase in criminality.

Always Feminine

Words ending in '-encia' are almost always feminine. Always use 'la' or 'una' with delincuencia.

Collective Meaning

This word describes the general problem of crime in a society, rather than a single specific illegal act.

Crime vs. Criminal

Mistake: “El delincuencia robó mi bolso.”

Correction: El delincuente robó mi bolso. Use 'delincuencia' for the concept of crime, and 'delincuente' for the person who commits it.

policíaco

adjectiveB1general
Use 'policíaco' as an adjective to describe things related to police work, investigations, or detective stories.

Examples

Me encanta leer novelas policíacas antes de dormir.

I love reading detective novels before going to sleep.

Crimen vs. Delito vs. Delincuencia

Learners often confuse 'crimen' and 'delito'. Remember that 'crimen' usually refers to the specific act or scene, while 'delito' is a more formal, legal term for an offense. 'Delincuencia' is broader, referring to crime as a societal issue.

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