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How to Say "detention" in Spanish

English → Spanish

arresto

/ah-RREHS-toh//aˈrresto/

nounB1
Use 'arresto' to refer to the specific action or event of being arrested by authorities, emphasizing the process of apprehension.
A simple drawing of a police officer in uniform gently applying handcuffs to the wrist of a civilian.

Examples

La policía ejecutó el arresto sin resistencia.

The police carried out the arrest without resistance.

El sospechoso quedó bajo arresto domiciliario.

The suspect remained under house arrest.

El juez firmó la orden de arresto ayer.

The judge signed the arrest warrant yesterday.

Always Masculine

Even though it ends in '-o', remember that 'arresto' is always a masculine noun, meaning you use 'el' or 'un' with it.

Using the Wrong Verb

Mistake: “Hacer un arresto”

Correction: Realizar un arresto (or simply 'arrestar'). Spanish speakers usually use 'realizar' (to carry out) or the verb 'arrestar' (to arrest) instead of 'hacer' (to make).

detención

nounB2
Use 'detención' to describe the state or condition of being held, detained, or imprisoned, often after an arrest has already occurred.

Examples

La detención del sospechoso ocurrió sin incidentes.

The suspect's detention occurred without incident.

Arresto vs. Detención

Learners often confuse 'arresto' and 'detención' because both relate to being held by authorities. Remember that 'arresto' focuses on the act of being apprehended, while 'detención' describes the ongoing state of being held.

Related Translations

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