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How to Say "plea" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “plea” is “ruego” — use 'ruego' when you want to express a serious or heartfelt request, often implying sincerity and a strong desire for something.

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ruego

RWEH-gohˈrwe.ɣo

nounB1general
Use 'ruego' when you want to express a serious or heartfelt request, often implying sincerity and a strong desire for something.
A small child standing with hands pressed together in a pleading gesture, looking up with a serious, earnest expression.

Examples

Su ruego fue tan sincero que no pude negarme.

His plea was so sincere that I couldn't refuse.

Hizo un ruego a las autoridades para que revisaran el caso.

He made a request to the authorities to review the case.

En respuesta a mi ruego, la empresa me dio otra oportunidad.

In response to my entreaty, the company gave me another chance.

Masculine Noun

Even though it ends in '-o', remember 'ruego' is always a masculine word, so you must use 'el ruego' or 'un ruego'.

plegaria

play-GAH-ryahpleˈɣaɾja

nounB1general
Choose 'plegaria' for a humble or desperate request, typically in a religious or spiritual context, like a prayer.
A peaceful person with eyes closed and hands pressed together in a gesture of prayer.

Examples

Ella dice una plegaria todas las noches antes de dormir.

She says a prayer every night before sleeping.

Los marineros elevaron una plegaria pidiendo protección.

The sailors raised a prayer asking for protection.

Su carta no era una exigencia, sino una plegaria por justicia.

Her letter was not a demand, but a plea for justice.

Gender Identification

This word is feminine because it ends in '-a'. You should always use it with feminine markers like 'la plegaria' or 'una plegaria'.

Plegaria vs. Oración

While both mean 'prayer,' 'plegaria' is often more formal or dramatic. Use 'oración' for everyday religious talk and 'plegaria' for poetic or intense pleas.

Don't confuse with 'fold'

Mistake: “Using 'plegaria' to mean 'a fold in clothes'.”

Correction: Use 'pliegue' for a fold. Although 'plegaria' looks like 'plegar' (to fold), they have different meanings.

Casual Requests

Mistake: “Asking a friend for a favor using 'plegaria'.”

Correction: Use 'favor' or 'petición'. 'Plegaria' is too heavy or spiritual for asking someone to pass the salt.

apelación

nounB2formal, legal
Use 'apelación' in a formal or legal context for an earnest request to a higher authority, such as an appeal in court.

Examples

El abogado presentó una apelación ante el juez.

The lawyer filed an appeal before the judge.

defensa

deh-FEN-sahdeˈfensa

nounB1legal
Select 'defensa' when referring to the formal statement or argument made by a defendant or their lawyer in a court of law, essentially their 'plea' of innocence or argument.
A lawyer wearing a formal suit is speaking assertively from behind a courtroom table, standing next to a client who appears relieved or calm.

Examples

La defensa argumentó que no había pruebas suficientes.

The defense argued that there was insufficient evidence.

El juez escuchó los alegatos de la fiscalía y la defensa.

The judge listened to the arguments of the prosecution and the defense.

Legal Role

In court, 'la defensa' refers to the entire legal team protecting the accused, while 'el fiscal' (the prosecutor) represents the state.

Don't confuse legal and personal pleas

Learners often confuse 'apelación' and 'defensa' with more general terms like 'ruego' or 'plegaria'. Remember that 'apelación' and 'defensa' are specific to legal settings, while 'ruego' and 'plegaria' are for personal or spiritual requests.

Related Translations

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