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How to Say "innocence" in Spanish

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inocencia

ee-noh-SEHN-syahinoˈsen.sja

nounB1general
Use this word when referring to the legal state of not being guilty of a crime or wrongdoing, or the childlike state of being unaware of evil or harm.
A pure white lamb standing calmly in a bright, grassy green field under a clear blue sky, symbolizing being untouched by guilt.

Examples

El jurado determinó la inocencia del acusado.

The jury determined the innocence of the accused.

Ella defendió su inocencia con mucha firmeza.

She defended her innocence with great firmness.

La inocencia de los niños es algo muy hermoso.

The innocence of children is something very beautiful.

Aún conserva la inocencia de su juventud, nunca ha salido de su pueblo.

She still keeps the naivety of her youth; she has never left her town.

Always Feminine

Since 'inocencia' ends in -a and describes a quality, it is always a feminine noun and requires feminine articles (la inocencia, una inocencia grande).

Quality Noun

This word describes a quality or characteristic, similar to 'beauty' or 'strength.' It is often used with linking verbs like 'ser' (to be) or 'tener' (to have).

Confusing Naivety and Stupidity

Mistake: “Using 'inocencia' to mean 'stupidity' or 'lack of intelligence.'”

Correction: Inocencia means purity or lack of experience. For lack of intelligence, use 'estupidez' or 'tontería'.

inocencia

ee-noh-SEHN-syahinoˈsen.sja

nounA2general
Use this word to describe a gentle, trusting nature, often seen in children, implying a lack of experience with the complexities or evils of the world.
A pure white lamb standing calmly in a bright, grassy green field under a clear blue sky, symbolizing being untouched by guilt.

Examples

La inocencia de los niños es algo muy hermoso.

The innocence of children is something very beautiful.

El jurado determinó la inocencia del acusado.

The jury determined the innocence of the accused.

Ella defendió su inocencia con mucha firmeza.

She defended her innocence with great firmness.

Aún conserva la inocencia de su juventud, nunca ha salido de su pueblo.

She still keeps the naivety of her youth; she has never left her town.

Always Feminine

Since 'inocencia' ends in -a and describes a quality, it is always a feminine noun and requires feminine articles (la inocencia, una inocencia grande).

Quality Noun

This word describes a quality or characteristic, similar to 'beauty' or 'strength.' It is often used with linking verbs like 'ser' (to be) or 'tener' (to have).

Confusing Naivety and Stupidity

Mistake: “Using 'inocencia' to mean 'stupidity' or 'lack of intelligence.'”

Correction: Inocencia means purity or lack of experience. For lack of intelligence, use 'estupidez' or 'tontería'.

pureza

poo-REH-sahpuˈɾesa

nounB2general
Choose this word when you want to emphasize a high degree of moral or spiritual integrity, suggesting a lack of corruption or impurity.
A small, fluffy white lamb standing in a lush green meadow under a bright sun.

Examples

Admiro la pureza de sus intenciones.

I admire the purity of her intentions.

El poeta escribe sobre la pureza del alma.

The poet writes about the purity of the soul.

Los niños actúan con total pureza.

Children act with total innocence/purity.

Using 'de' for connection

To say 'purity of [something]', always use the word 'de'. Example: 'pureza de alma'.

Confusing with 'puro'

Mistake: “Ella tiene mucho puro.”

Correction: Ella tiene mucha pureza. ('Puro' is the adjective 'pure', while 'pureza' is the name of the quality).

Inocencia vs. Pureza

Learners often confuse 'inocencia' and 'pureza' when talking about moral character. Remember that 'inocencia' usually implies a lack of guilt or naivety, while 'pureza' specifically refers to moral or spiritual flawlessness, often in a more formal or elevated context.

Related Translations

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