How to Say "to betray" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to betray” is “traicionar” — use 'traicionar' when someone breaks your trust or loyalty, or when your own body or mind unexpectedly works against you.
traicionar
try-syoh-NARtɾajsjoˈnaɾ
Examples
Me traicionó mi propia memoria en el examen.
My own memory betrayed me on the exam.
Nunca pensé que él me traicionaría con mi propia hermana.
I never thought he would betray me with my own sister.
El soldado traicionó a su país entregando secretos militares.
The soldier betrayed his country by giving up military secrets.
No traiciones la confianza que puse en ti.
Do not betray the trust I put in you.
Using 'A' with People
Remember to use the 'personal a' when you are betraying a person. For example, say 'traicionó a su amigo' but just 'traicionó sus principios' (betrayed his principles).
Direct Action
This verb is used directly. You don't need 'con' (with) or other words between the verb and the person you are betraying unless you are adding extra details.
The Thing as the Subject
In this meaning, the subject is often an involuntary thing (like nerves or a look) and the person is the one receiving the action. 'Los nervios (subject) me (person) traicionaron.'
Mistaking for 'cheat'
Mistake: “Él traicionó en el examen.”
Correction: Él hizo trampa en el examen. Use 'traicionar' for people/trust, and 'hacer trampa' for cheating on tests.
delatar
deh-lah-tahrdelaˈtaɾ
Examples
El soplón delató a sus cómplices.
The informant betrayed his accomplices.
El testigo delató al ladrón ante la policía.
The witness reported the thief to the police.
No me delates con mis padres por llegar tarde.
Don't tell on me to my parents for arriving late.
Al final, uno de los cómplices los delató a todos.
In the end, one of the accomplices betrayed them all.
The Personal 'a'
When you are reporting a specific person, you must use the word 'a' before their name. For example: 'Delataron a Juan'.
Reporting versus Informing
Unlike the general word 'decir' (to say), 'delatar' implies you are revealing something that was meant to be hidden or something negative.
Using 'delatarse'
When you accidentally reveal your own secret or guilt, you use the reflexive form 'delatarse' (to give oneself away).
Confusing with 'reportar'
Mistake: “Reporté a mi amigo por el robo.”
Correction: Delaté a mi amigo por el robo. 'Reportar' is often for news or work status, 'delatar' is for betrayal or snitching.
Thinking it only applies to people
Mistake: “Esas huellas revelaron al culpable.”
Correction: Esas huellas delataron al culpable. While 'revelar' is okay, 'delatar' is more common when clues point to someone's identity.
vender
ben-derbenˈdeɾ
Examples
Vendió la información clasificada por una gran suma de dinero.
He sold out the classified information for a large sum of money.
Se vendió a la empresa por un ascenso y mucho dinero.
He sold out to the company for a promotion and a lot of money.
No puedes vender a tus amigos revelando sus secretos.
You can't betray your friends by revealing their secrets.
Los críticos dicen que el artista se ha vendido al mercado comercial.
Critics say the artist has sold out to the commercial market.
Reflexive Meaning (Venderse)
When you add the little word 'se' (venderse), the meaning shifts from a transaction to a moral compromise—the person is selling their own integrity or loyalty.
Trust vs. Revealing Information
Related Translations
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