Inklingo

How to Say "criminals" in Spanish

English → Spanish

criminales

kree-mee-NAH-les/kɾimiˈnales/

nounB1general
Use 'criminales' as the general and most common term for anyone who has committed a crime, regardless of the severity or their ongoing involvement.
Two cartoonish figures in simple black and white striped outfits sneaking away quickly from the edge of the frame, each carrying a large, bulging sack over their shoulders, symbolizing criminals.

Examples

La policía detuvo a varios criminales después del robo.

The police arrested several criminals after the robbery.

Es importante que los criminales paguen por sus actos.

It is important that the offenders pay for their actions.

Estos criminales operan en una red internacional.

These criminals operate in an international network.

Plural Form

This word is the plural form of 'criminal.' Since 'criminal' ends in an 'L' (a consonant), you add '-es' to make it plural.

Gender Agreement

Mistake: “Las criminales (when referring to a mixed group or unknown gender)”

Correction: Use 'los criminales' as the default plural for mixed groups or when the gender is not specified, even if there are women involved.

delincuentes

/deh-leen-KWEN-tehs//deliŋˈkwentes/

nounB2general
Use 'delincuentes' when referring to individuals who are actively engaged in criminal activity, often implying a more organized or habitual nature of offending.
An illustration showing two cartoon-like figures in black and white striped outfits sneaking away carrying a large burlap sack.

Examples

La policía capturó a los tres delincuentes después de la persecución.

The police captured the three criminals after the chase.

Las autoridades buscan soluciones para reducir el número de delincuentes juveniles.

The authorities are looking for solutions to reduce the number of juvenile offenders.

Los delincuentes fueron llevados a la comisaría.

The offenders were taken to the police station.

Gender Flexibility

Since 'delincuentes' ends in '-es', it can refer to a group of men, a group of women, or a mixed group. To talk about one person, use 'el delincuente' (man) or 'la delincuente' (woman).

Using the Singular Form

Mistake: “Using 'delincuente' when talking about two or more people.”

Correction: Always remember the '-s' to make it plural: 'Los delincuentes' (The criminals).

General vs. Active Criminals

The most common mistake is using 'delincuentes' when 'criminales' would be more appropriate and natural. 'Criminales' is the default, everyday term. Reserve 'delincuentes' for when you want to emphasize the active or professional aspect of the crime.

Related Translations

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