delito

crime

noun deh-LEE-toh Less Common

Origin: From Latin delictum (fault, offence).

Also means

offence

Usage Note

Delito refers specifically to a criminal offence in a legal sense (cometer un delito = to commit a crime). It is narrower than crimen, which in Spanish typically implies a serious violent crime like murder. Delito menor means a minor offence; delito grave is a serious crime.

Examples

"Robar es un delito penado por la ley."

Natural Translation

Stealing is a crime punishable by law.

Literal Translation

To-rob is a crime punished by the law

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