Inklingo

How to Say "plea" in Spanish

English → Spanish

ruego

/RWEH-goh//ˈrwe.ɣo/

nounB1general
Use 'ruego' when you are making a serious and heartfelt request to someone, appealing to their emotions or good nature.
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'.

defensa

deh-FEN-sah/deˈfensa/

nounB1legal
Use 'defensa' when referring to the formal arguments presented by a lawyer or defendant in a court of law to prove innocence or mitigate guilt.
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.

Confusing 'ruego' and 'defensa'

Learners often confuse 'ruego' and 'defensa' because 'plea' can sound formal in English. Remember that 'defensa' is specifically for legal arguments in court, while 'ruego' is for any strong, personal request.

Related Translations

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