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B1 noun #3,500 most common 12 min read

crimen

Top 3,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips crimen in 30 Seconds

Explanation crimen in your Level:

At the A1 level, you just need to know that 'crimen' means 'crime'. It is a masculine word, so we say 'el crimen'. It looks very similar to English, which makes it easy to remember. You might use it when talking about simple stories or watching a movie. For example, 'El crimen es malo' (Crime is bad). Remember that we use the verb 'cometer' (to commit) with it. Don't worry about complex legal terms yet; just think of it as a serious bad action.

At the A2 level, you can start using 'crimen' in more complete sentences. You should know that it's often used in the context of news or mystery books. You can use phrases like 'la escena del crimen' (the crime scene). Also, start noticing that 'crimen' is usually for very bad things like murder, while 'delito' is for any broken law. If you forget your homework, don't call it a 'crimen' unless you are being very funny/dramatic! Also, learn the plural: 'crímenes'. Notice the accent mark on the 'í'.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'crimen' in various contexts, including metaphorical ones. You should know common collocations like 'crimen organizado' (organized crime) and 'cometer un crimen'. You should also be able to distinguish between 'el crimen' (the act) and 'el criminal' (the person). At this level, you might discuss social issues or plot points in a 'novela negra' (crime novel). You understand that 'crimen' has a stronger emotional impact than 'delito' and use it to express gravity.

At the B2 level, you should understand the legal and journalistic nuances of 'crimen'. You can discuss 'crímenes de lesa humanidad' (crimes against humanity) or 'crímenes de odio' (hate crimes) with correct grammar. You are aware that the plural 'crímenes' requires an accent mark because it is an 'esdrújula' word. You can use the word in formal debates about security and justice. You also know that 'criminología' is the study of crime and can use related terms like 'impunidad' (impunity) when a crime is not punished.

At the C1 level, you use 'crimen' with precision in academic, legal, or professional settings. You understand the historical weight the word carries in certain Spanish-speaking countries, such as when referring to 'crímenes de la dictadura'. You can use sophisticated phrases like 'el móvil del crimen' (the motive) or 'el cuerpo del crimen' (the body of the crime/corpus delicti). Your use of the word reflects an understanding of sociolinguistic registers, knowing exactly when to use 'crimen' versus 'ilícito' or 'infracción' to convey specific shades of meaning.

At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of 'crimen'. You can analyze its use in classical Spanish literature or modern legal theory. You understand subtle distinctions in international law between 'crimen de guerra' and other international offenses. You can use 'crimen' in complex rhetorical structures and metaphorical expressions with ease. You are also aware of regional variations in how 'crimen' and 'delito' are used in different legal systems across Latin America and Spain, adapting your vocabulary perfectly to your audience.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

crimen in 30 Seconds

Crimen is a masculine Spanish noun meaning 'crime', primarily used for serious or violent illegal acts like murder.
It is a cognate of the English word but is often more specific in legal contexts compared to the broader term 'delito'.
Commonly paired with the verb 'cometer' (to commit) and used in phrases like 'escena del crimen' (crime scene).
In the plural form, it becomes 'crímenes', requiring a written accent mark to maintain correct pronunciation.

The Spanish word crimen is a powerful noun that English speakers often recognize immediately, but it carries specific nuances in the Spanish-speaking world that differ slightly from its English cognate. At its core, it refers to a grave violation of the law, typically involving violence or a significant breach of social order. While in English, 'crime' is a broad umbrella term for any illegal act, in many Spanish-speaking legal contexts, crimen is reserved for the most serious offenses, particularly homicide or murder.

Legal Weight: In technical legal Spanish, the word 'delito' is often the preferred general term for a crime. However, 'crimen' is used when the act is particularly heinous or involves the loss of life. If you are watching a news report about a 'crimen de pasión,' you are hearing about a specific type of violent act driven by intense emotion.

La policía está investigando un crimen que ocurrió anoche en el centro de la ciudad.

Beyond the courtroom, crimen is used metaphorically in daily life to describe something that is a 'shame' or 'terrible waste.' For instance, if someone throws away perfectly good food, a Spaniard might exclaim, '¡Es un crimen tirar esa comida!' This usage mirrors the English 'It's a crime to...' and shows the word's flexibility in expressing moral outrage rather than just legal status.

Societal Impact: The word carries a heavy emotional weight. It evokes images of yellow police tape, investigative journalism, and the search for justice. In literature, specifically the 'novela negra' (noir fiction), the word 'crimen' is central to the narrative structure, setting the stage for the 'investigación' and the eventual 'castigo' (punishment).

No hay crimen perfecto, siempre queda alguna huella.

In the context of international law, you will frequently hear the phrase 'crimen de lesa humanidad' (crime against humanity). This highlights the word's role in the highest levels of global discourse regarding ethics and human rights. It is a word that demands attention and signals that the topic at hand is of the utmost gravity. Whether discussing a 'crimen cibernético' (cybercrime) or a 'crimen organizado' (organized crime), the noun serves as the foundation for categorizing the dark side of human behavior.

Cultural Nuance: In Spain and Latin America, the perception of 'crimen' can be influenced by historical events. Discussions about 'crímenes de la dictadura' (crimes of the dictatorship) carry deep political and social scars. Thus, using the word requires an awareness of the gravity it holds for the audience.

El crimen organizado es una de las mayores amenazas para la estabilidad de la región.

Cometer un crimen pasional suele ser el resultado de un arrebato de ira.

To summarize, 'crimen' is your go-to word for serious, often violent illegal acts. It is ubiquitous in news, crime fiction, and serious political discussions. Its metaphorical use for 'a crying shame' is also common and adds a layer of expressive color to your Spanish vocabulary. Mastering its use means understanding both its legal severity and its cultural weight across the Spanish-speaking world.

Using crimen correctly involves more than just plugging it into a sentence; it requires understanding its typical collocations and the verbs that usually accompany it. The most common verb paired with 'crimen' is cometer (to commit). You don't 'do' a crime in Spanish (hacer un crimen); you 'commit' it.

The Verb 'Cometer': Whenever you want to say someone 'did' a crime, use 'cometer'. Example: 'Él cometió un crimen atroz.' This sounds professional and natural. Using 'hacer' would be a hallmark of a beginner's mistake.

Nadie sabe quién cometió el crimen en la mansión abandonada.

When describing the nature of the crime, adjectives follow the noun as per standard Spanish grammar. Common descriptors include violento (violent), atroz (atrocious), perfecto (perfect), and organizado (organized). Notice how 'crimen organizado' acts as a fixed phrase meaning 'organized crime'.

Sentence Structure: In passive constructions, which are common in news reporting, you might see: 'El crimen fue denunciado por los vecinos.' (The crime was reported by the neighbors). This emphasizes the crime itself rather than the perpetrator.

La lucha contra el crimen organizado es la prioridad del gobierno.

Another important context is the 'escena del crimen' (crime scene). This is a set phrase used by forensic experts, police, and in TV shows like CSI. 'Llegar a la escena del crimen' means to arrive at the crime scene. If you are describing an investigation, you would say 'investigar un crimen' or 'resolver un crimen' (to solve a crime).

The Metaphorical Use: To use 'crimen' metaphorically, use the phrase 'Es un crimen que...' followed by the subjunctive or an infinitive. 'Es un crimen desperdiciar este talento' (It's a crime to waste this talent). This adds dramatic flair to your speech.

¡Es un crimen que no hayas probado esta tarta todavía!

In formal writing, you might encounter 'cuerpo del crimen' (corpus delicti), referring to the objective proof that a crime has been committed. While technical, knowing this helps when reading legal thrillers or academic papers. Also, 'crimen de guerra' (war crime) is a term frequently used in international news, requiring the same pluralization rules: 'crímenes de guerra'. Note the accent shift in the plural: crimen (singular) vs. crímenes (plural).

Los crímenes de lesa humanidad no prescriben nunca.

By practicing these patterns—pairing 'crimen' with 'cometer', using it in set phrases like 'escena del crimen', and remembering the plural accent—you will be able to discuss law, justice, and even daily frustrations with the precision of a native speaker. The word provides a bridge between everyday complaints and the highest levels of legal discourse.

The word crimen is omnipresent in Spanish-language media. If you turn on the news in Madrid, Mexico City, or Buenos Aires, you are almost guaranteed to hear it within the first ten minutes. It is the backbone of the 'sucesos' section (the news section dedicated to local crimes and accidents).

Television and News: News anchors use 'crimen' to introduce stories about major police investigations. Phrases like 'un crimen sin resolver' (an unsolved crime) or 'el móvil del crimen' (the motive for the crime) are standard journalistic jargon. In these contexts, the tone is always somber and serious.

El presentador anunció que el crimen había conmocionado a toda la nación.

In the world of entertainment, 'novelas policíacas' (detective novels) and 'series de crímenes' (crime series) are incredibly popular. Shows like 'La Casa de Papel' (Money Heist) or 'Elite' often revolve around a central 'crimen' that drives the plot. Here, you'll hear characters debating the ethics of their actions or trying to cover up a 'crimen' they've committed.

Podcasts and True Crime: The 'True Crime' genre is booming in the Spanish-speaking world. Podcasts like 'Crímenes Ibéricos' or 'Relatos de la Noche' frequently use the word to describe historical or contemporary cases. Listeners hear detailed accounts of how a 'crimen' was planned and executed.

Me encanta leer sobre crímenes reales antes de dormir.

In political discourse, 'crimen' is used to condemn the actions of opponents or past regimes. Phrases like 'crimen de estado' (state crime) are used to describe systemic abuses of power. This usage is particularly prevalent in documentaries and historical discussions about the 20th century in Latin America and Spain.

Legal and Academic Settings: In universities and law courts, 'crimen' is analyzed through the lens of 'Criminología' (Criminology). Professors discuss 'la prevención del crimen' (crime prevention) and the sociological factors that lead to 'el fenómeno del crimen'.

El estudio del crimen requiere un enfoque multidisciplinario.

La película 'Crimen y Castigo' es una adaptación del clásico de Dostoievski.

Whether you are consuming high-brow literature, watching the evening news, or chatting with friends about a new Netflix show, 'crimen' is a word that appears constantly. Its ability to shift from a rigid legal term to a flexible emotional expression makes it a vital part of the Spanish linguistic landscape.

Even though crimen looks like its English counterpart, there are several traps that English speakers often fall into. The first and most common is the gender mistake. Because it ends in '-en', many students assume it is feminine or neuter, but it is strictly masculine.

Gender Confusion: Never say 'la crimen'. It is always 'el crimen'. This is a very common error for beginners who are used to '-a' for feminine and '-o' for masculine and get confused by words ending in consonants.

La crimen fue terrible. El crimen fue terrible.

Another frequent error is the plural accentuation. In Spanish, when a word like 'crimen' (which has the stress on the first syllable 'cri-') becomes plural, it adds a syllable. To keep the stress on the 'i', we must add a physical accent mark: crímenes. Forgetting this accent is a major spelling error in formal writing.

Spelling in the Plural: Singular: crimen (no accent). Plural: crímenes (accent on the 'i'). This follows the rule for 'esdrújula' words (words stressed on the third-to-last syllable), which always carry an accent.

Cometer un delito menor no es lo mismo que cometer un crimen.

Using the wrong verb is another pitfall. In English, we say 'to do a crime' or 'to commit a crime'. In Spanish, hacer un crimen sounds very childish or non-native. You must use the verb cometer. Similarly, don't say 'resolver el crimen' if you mean 'to report the crime' (which is 'denunciar el crimen').

False Friends and Context: English speakers often use 'crimen' for 'criminal'. In Spanish, 'crimen' is the act, while 'criminal' is the person. Saying 'El crimen escapó' (The crime escaped) is wrong; you mean 'El criminal escapó' (The criminal escaped).

El criminal dejó pruebas en la escena del crimen.

Muchos crímenes quedan impunes por falta de pruebas.

By keeping an eye on the gender (masculine), the plural accent (crímenes), the correct verb (cometer), and the distinction between the act (crimen) and the person (criminal), you'll avoid the most common errors and speak about justice and law with confidence.

While crimen is a powerful word, Spanish offers a rich variety of synonyms and related terms that allow for more precise communication depending on the context. Understanding these alternatives will help you sound more like a native speaker and less like a textbook.

Delito vs. Crimen: Delito: This is the most common legal term. It covers everything from theft (robo) to fraud (fraude). While 'crimen' is often used for blood crimes, 'delito' is the standard for any law-breaking act. In a legal document, you will almost always see 'delito'.

El fraude fiscal es un delito grave, pero no se suele llamar crimen.

For less serious offenses, you should use the word falta or infracción. A parking ticket is an 'infracción de tráfico', never a 'crimen'. Using 'crimen' for a minor mistake would sound incredibly dramatic or sarcastic.

Specific Types of Crimes: Asesinato: Specifically means 'murder' (premeditated killing). If a 'crimen' involves killing someone with intent, 'asesinato' is the precise word to use. Homicidio: The broader term for 'homicide' (killing a human being, whether intentional or not).

El villano de la historia cometió varias fechorías antes de ser capturado.

In the context of corruption or scandal, you might hear the word atropello. This literally means 'running over' someone with a car, but metaphorically it refers to an outrage or a violation of rights. 'Es un atropello a la justicia' is a common way to say something is a travesty of justice.

Legal Nuances: Ilícito: An adjective or noun referring to anything illegal. 'Actividades ilícitas' is a formal way to say 'criminal activities'. It sounds more professional than 'actividades de crimen'.

La policía desmanteló una red de ilícitos financieros.

El delincuente fue arrestado poco después del crimen.

By expanding your vocabulary to include 'delito', 'infracción', 'asesinato', and 'ilícito', you can choose the word that perfectly fits the severity and formality of the situation. This level of precision is what separates an intermediate learner from an advanced speaker.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

In Latin, 'crimen' comes from the root 'cernere', which means 'to sift' or 'to decide'. This is the same root that gives us 'discern' in English!

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈkɾi.men/

US /ˈkɾi.men/

On the first syllable: CRI-men.

Rhymes With

dictamen examen certamen gravamen amen abdomen volumen resumen

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'r' like an English 'r' instead of a tap.
Stressing the second syllable (cri-MEN).
Pronouncing the 'i' like the 'i' in 'it' (crim-en).
Pronouncing the final 'n' as 'ng'.
Adding an 's' to the singular (crimes).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Easy to recognize as a cognate.

Writing 3/5

The plural accent 'crímenes' is tricky.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward but requires correct stress.

Listening 1/5

Very clear and distinct sound.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

malo hacer policía ley persona

Learn Next

delito castigo culpable inocente juicio

Advanced

jurisprudencia impunidad premeditación atenuante agravante

Grammar to Know

Nouns ending in -en are usually masculine.

El crimen, el examen, el volumen.

Esdrújula rule: Words stressed on the third-to-last syllable always have an accent.

Crímenes, pájaro, rápido.

Use of 'cometer' for negative actions.

Cometer un error, cometer un crimen.

Subjunctive after emotional expressions.

Es un crimen que la gente no tenga comida.

Noun-Adjective agreement.

Crimen violento, crímenes violentos.

Examples by Level

El crimen es un problema en la ciudad.

Crime is a problem in the city.

Use 'el' because 'crimen' is masculine.

Él cometió un crimen.

He committed a crime.

'Cometer' is the standard verb for 'to commit'.

No me gustan las películas de crimen.

I don't like crime movies.

'De crimen' functions as an adjective here.

El crimen ocurrió anoche.

The crime happened last night.

'Ocurrir' is a common verb to describe events.

Es un crimen tirar la comida.

It's a crime to throw away food.

Metaphorical use meaning 'a shame'.

¿Quién vio el crimen?

Who saw the crime?

Simple question structure.

El crimen no es bueno.

Crime is not good.

Basic subject-verb-adjective structure.

Ellos hablan del crimen.

They are talking about the crime.

'Hablar de' means 'to talk about'.

La policía llegó a la escena del crimen.

The police arrived at the crime scene.

'Escena del crimen' is a fixed phrase.

Hay muchos crímenes en este libro.

There are many crimes in this book.

Note the accent on 'crímenes' in the plural.

El detective busca al autor del crimen.

The detective is looking for the perpetrator of the crime.

'Autor del crimen' means 'perpetrator'.

Fue un crimen muy famoso en los años 20.

It was a very famous crime in the 20s.

Using 'fue' (preterite) for a completed event.

No queremos más crimen en nuestras calles.

We don't want more crime in our streets.

Using 'más' for quantity.

El crimen organizado es peligroso.

Organized crime is dangerous.

'Organizado' agrees with the masculine 'crimen'.

Leí una noticia sobre un crimen pasional.

I read a news item about a crime of passion.

'Crimen pasional' is a specific term.

El testigo describió el crimen al juez.

The witness described the crime to the judge.

Indirect object 'al juez'.

Es un crimen que no aproveches tu talento para la música.

It's a crime that you don't take advantage of your talent for music.

Use of subjunctive 'aproveches' after 'Es un crimen que...'

La impunidad ante el crimen genera mucha frustración.

Impunity in the face of crime generates much frustration.

'Impunidad' means lack of punishment.

El móvil del crimen sigue siendo un misterio para todos.

The motive for the crime remains a mystery to everyone.

'Móvil' here means 'motive' or 'reason'.

Muchos crímenes cibernéticos ocurren a través de correos falsos.

Many cybercrimes occur through fake emails.

Adjective 'cibernéticos' follows 'crímenes'.

El castigo debe ser proporcional a la gravedad del crimen.

The punishment must be proportional to the gravity of the crime.

'Gravedad' means seriousness or gravity.

No hay crimen sin leyes que lo definan previamente.

There is no crime without laws that define it previously.

Legal principle: 'Nullum crimen sine lege'.

El sospechoso confesó su participación en el crimen.

The suspect confessed his participation in the crime.

'Confesar' is to confess.

La prevención del crimen es esencial para la paz social.

Crime prevention is essential for social peace.

'Prevención del crimen' is a standard phrase.

El tribunal lo condenó por crímenes de guerra.

The court convicted him of war crimes.

Plural 'crímenes' with accent mark.

El crimen de lesa humanidad no prescribe con el tiempo.

The crime against humanity does not expire with time.

'No prescribir' means it doesn't have a statute of limitations.

La criminología estudia las causas sociales del crimen.

Criminology studies the social causes of crime.

'Criminología' is the noun for the study.

Se sospecha que el crimen fue planeado con meses de antelación.

It is suspected that the crime was planned months in advance.

Passive voice 'fue planeado'.

La fiscalía presentó pruebas contundentes sobre el crimen.

The prosecution presented overwhelming evidence about the crime.

'Fiscalía' means prosecution/district attorney's office.

El crimen organizado ha infiltrado varias instituciones públicas.

Organized crime has infiltrated several public institutions.

Present perfect 'ha infiltrado'.

Un crimen de odio es aquel motivado por prejuicios.

A hate crime is one motivated by prejudice.

'Aquel' refers back to 'crimen'.

El autor del crimen intentó borrar sus huellas dactilares.

The perpetrator of the crime tried to erase his fingerprints.

'Huellas dactilares' means fingerprints.

La novela explora la psicología detrás del crimen más allá del acto en sí.

The novel explores the psychology behind the crime beyond the act itself.

'En sí' means 'in itself'.

El estado de derecho se ve amenazado cuando el crimen queda impune.

The rule of law is threatened when crime goes unpunished.

'Estado de derecho' means 'rule of law'.

La distinción entre delito y crimen es fundamental en la doctrina jurídica.

The distinction between 'delito' and 'crimen' is fundamental in legal doctrine.

'Doctrina jurídica' refers to legal theory.

Se debatió si el acto constituía un crimen de estado o una negligencia.

It was debated whether the act constituted a state crime or negligence.

'Crimen de estado' implies government involvement.

El cuerpo del crimen es la base sobre la cual se construye la acusación.

The 'corpus delicti' is the basis upon which the accusation is built.

'Cuerpo del crimen' is a technical legal term.

La globalización ha facilitado la expansión del crimen transnacional.

Globalization has facilitated the expansion of transnational crime.

'Transnacional' refers to crossing borders.

El crimen no solo afecta a la víctima, sino al tejido social en su conjunto.

Crime not only affects the victim but the social fabric as a whole.

'Tejido social' is a common metaphor.

La apología del crimen es un delito en muchas jurisdicciones.

The glorification of crime is a crime in many jurisdictions.

'Apología' means public praise or defense.

La banalidad del mal se manifiesta a menudo en el crimen burocratizado.

The banality of evil often manifests in bureaucratized crime.

Reference to Hannah Arendt's concept.

El crimen, en su acepción más amplia, trasciende la mera infracción normativa.

Crime, in its broadest sense, transcends mere normative infraction.

'Acepción' means sense or meaning of a word.

La narrativa contemporánea subvierte a menudo la resolución del crimen.

Contemporary narrative often subverts the resolution of the crime.

'Subvertir' means to undermine or subvert.

Existe una correlación intrínseca entre la desigualdad y ciertos tipos de crimen.

There is an intrinsic correlation between inequality and certain types of crime.

'Intrínseca' means essential or inherent.

El derecho penal internacional busca erradicar el crimen de agresión.

International criminal law seeks to eradicate the crime of aggression.

'Crimen de agresión' is a specific international legal term.

La reincidencia en el crimen plantea interrogantes sobre el sistema carcelario.

Recidivism in crime raises questions about the prison system.

'Reincidencia' means repeating an offense.

El crimen es analizado aquí como una construcción social más que biológica.

Crime is analyzed here as a social construction rather than a biological one.

'Construcción social' is an academic concept.

La prescripción de los crímenes de guerra sigue siendo un tema de debate ético.

The statute of limitations for war crimes remains a subject of ethical debate.

'Prescripción' refers to the expiration of legal responsibility.

Common Collocations

cometer un crimen

crimen organizado

escena del crimen

crimen pasional

resolver un crimen

móvil del crimen

arma del crimen

crimen de guerra

investigar un crimen

víctima del crimen

Common Phrases

El crimen no paga

— A proverb saying that criminal activities do not bring long-term benefits.

Recuerda, hijo, el crimen no paga.

Crimen y castigo

— The title of Dostoevsky's famous book, used to refer to the sequence of a wrong act and its consequence.

Toda acción tiene su crimen y castigo.

Es un crimen que...

— Used metaphorically to say that something is a great shame or waste.

Es un crimen que tires esa comida.

Crimen de lesa humanidad

— A legal term for crimes against humanity, which are particularly grave.

Los crímenes de lesa humanidad no tienen perdón.

Sin dejar rastro del crimen

— Doing something without leaving any evidence behind.

Se fue sin dejar rastro del crimen.

Cuerpo del crimen

— The physical evidence or 'corpus delicti' of a crime.

Sin el cuerpo del crimen, el caso es difícil.

Autor material del crimen

— The person who physically committed the crime.

Buscamos al autor material del crimen.

Autor intelectual del crimen

— The person who planned or ordered the crime but didn't physically do it.

El autor intelectual del crimen sigue libre.

Crimen de estado

— A crime committed by government officials or the state itself.

Fue denunciado como un crimen de estado.

Crímenes de odio

— Crimes motivated by bias against a group of people.

Debemos combatir los crímenes de odio.

Often Confused With

crimen vs delito

Crimen is usually for serious/violent acts; delito is for any legal infraction.

crimen vs criminal

Crimen is the act; criminal is the person who does it.

crimen vs clima

They sound vaguely similar but mean 'crime' vs 'weather/climate'.

Idioms & Expressions

"Pagar el crimen"

— To face the consequences or punishment for one's actions.

Tarde o temprano, tendrás que pagar el crimen.

neutral

"Ser un crimen"

— To be a crying shame or a terrible waste.

Sería un crimen no ir a esa fiesta.

informal

"Crimen perfecto"

— A crime committed so skillfully that no evidence is left.

Él cree que cometió el crimen perfecto.

neutral

"Tener el crimen en la cara"

— To look guilty or like a criminal (figurative).

Ese tipo tiene el crimen en la cara.

informal

"Oler a crimen"

— To seem suspicious or like something illegal is happening.

Esto me huele a crimen.

informal

"No haber crimen"

— Used to say there's no reason to worry or no harm done.

Si llegas tarde cinco minutos, no hay crimen.

informal

"Hacer un crimen"

— Sometimes used metaphorically for making a huge mistake.

Has hecho un crimen con ese corte de pelo.

informal/slang

"Cargar con el crimen"

— To take the blame for something someone else did.

No voy a cargar yo con el crimen de otros.

neutral

"Encubrir un crimen"

— To hide or cover up a crime.

Encubrir un crimen es también un delito.

formal

"Crimen de guante blanco"

— White-collar crime (non-violent, financial).

Los crímenes de guante blanco son difíciles de detectar.

neutral

Easily Confused

crimen vs crimen

Looks like English 'crime'.

In Spanish, it specifically suggests gravity or violence more than 'delito' does.

Un crimen de guerra es atroz.

crimen vs delito

Both mean crime.

Delito is the technical term for any law violation, from theft to speeding.

El robo es un delito.

crimen vs falta

Refers to breaking a rule.

A 'falta' is a minor infraction, not a serious 'crimen'.

Una falta de tráfico no es un crimen.

crimen vs pecado

Both refer to 'wrongdoing'.

Pecado is a religious 'sin'; crimen is a legal 'crime'.

Mentir es un pecado, pero no siempre un crimen.

crimen vs error

Both are 'mistakes'.

An 'error' is an accidental mistake; a 'crimen' is a deliberate illegal act.

Cometí un error en el examen, no un crimen.

Sentence Patterns

El [noun] es [adjective].

El crimen es malo.

La policía busca al [noun].

La policía busca al autor del crimen.

Es un crimen que [subjunctive].

Es un crimen que no sepas esto.

El crimen fue [past participle] por [person].

El crimen fue cometido por un desconocido.

A pesar del crimen, [sentence].

A pesar del crimen, la paz volvió al pueblo.

Dada la naturaleza del crimen, [sentence].

Dada la naturaleza del crimen, la sentencia fue máxima.

Any

No hay [noun] sin [noun].

No hay crimen sin castigo.

Any

Cometer un [noun].

Él no quiso cometer un crimen.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in news, medium-high in daily speech.

Common Mistakes

La crimen → El crimen
'Crimen' is a masculine noun. Using 'la' is a gender error.
Crimenes → Crímenes
The plural form requires an accent mark on the 'i' to follow Spanish stress rules.
Hacer un crimen → Cometer un crimen
'Hacer' is too generic; 'cometer' is the specific verb for committing acts like crimes.
El crimen escapó → El criminal escapó
Confusing the act (crimen) with the person (criminal).
Un crimen de tráfico → Una infracción de tráfico
'Crimen' is too heavy for a minor traffic violation.

Tips

Masculine Gender

Always remember 'el crimen'. Don't let the '-en' ending trick you into thinking it's feminine.

Plural Accent

Write 'crímenes' with an accent on the 'i'. Without it, the word is misspelled.

Cometer vs. Hacer

Use 'cometer' (to commit) instead of 'hacer' (to do). It sounds much more natural.

Serious vs. General

Use 'crimen' for murder or serious violence. Use 'delito' for general legal infractions.

Expressing Regret

Use 'Es un crimen' to express that something is a great waste or shame.

News Vocabulary

Listen for 'escena del crimen' in news reports to identify where the event happened.

Tapped R

Make sure to tap your 'r' in 'crimen'. Don't use the English 'r' sound.

International Law

Learn 'crimen de lesa humanidad' if you are interested in human rights or politics.

Crime Fiction

If you like mysteries, look for 'novela negra' authors to see the word in action.

The Criminal Link

Link 'crimen' to 'criminal'. If you can remember the person, you can remember the act.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a CRIminal hiding in a MEN's room. CRI-MEN.

Visual Association

Picture a yellow police tape forming the letters 'C-R-I-M-E-N' across a doorway.

Word Web

Policía Juez Cárcel Ley Castigo Víctima Pruebas Misterio

Challenge

Try to use 'crimen' and 'crímenes' in three different sentences describing a movie you recently watched.

Word Origin

From Latin 'crimen', meaning an accusation, charge, or fault. It originally referred to a judicial decision or the act of accusing someone before a judge.

Original meaning: Accusation or charge.

Indo-European (Italic > Latin > Romance).

Cultural Context

Be careful when using 'crimen' in countries with high levels of violence; it can be a sensitive topic.

English speakers use 'crime' as a general term, but should remember that 'delito' is often the better general translation in Spanish.

Crimen y castigo (Dostoievski) Crímenes imperdonables (various films) Crimen ferpecto (Spanish film by Álex de la Iglesia)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

News/Journalism

Ola de crímenes
Crimen sin resolver
Escena del crimen
Móvil del crimen

Legal settings

Cuerpo del crimen
Autor del crimen
Cometer un crimen
Crimen de guerra

Literature/Movies

Novela de crimen
Crimen perfecto
Resolver el crimen
El misterio del crimen

Daily conversation (metaphorical)

Es un crimen que...
¡Qué crimen!
Ser un crimen
Un crimen de desperdicio

Sociology/Education

Prevención del crimen
Causas del crimen
Estudio del crimen
Índice de crimen

Conversation Starters

"¿Has leído alguna vez una novela de crimen que te haya gustado mucho?"

"¿Crees que el crimen organizado es el mayor problema de seguridad hoy en día?"

"¿Qué opinas sobre los podcasts de crímenes reales que están tan de moda?"

"¿Es un crimen tirar comida en tu cultura o se ve como algo normal?"

"¿Cuál es el crimen más famoso de la historia de tu país?"

Journal Prompts

Escribe sobre una película de misterio donde el crimen fuera muy difícil de resolver.

¿Por qué crees que a la gente le fascina tanto leer sobre crímenes reales?

Describe una situación cotidiana donde usarías la frase 'es un crimen que...'.

Reflexiona sobre cómo la sociedad puede prevenir el crimen de manera efectiva.

Imagina que eres un detective en la escena de un crimen. ¿Qué es lo primero que harías?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is masculine. You should always say 'el crimen' or 'un crimen'. This is a common point of confusion for students.

'Delito' is the general legal term for any illegal act. 'Crimen' is typically used for very serious or violent acts, such as murder.

The phrase is 'escena del crimen'. It is used by police, in news, and in movies.

Yes, it is 'crímenes'. The accent is necessary because the stress stays on the 'i', making it an esdrújula word.

Yes! You can say 'Es un crimen que...' to mean 'It's a crying shame that...'. It's a very common metaphorical use.

The most common verb is 'cometer' (to commit). Avoid saying 'hacer un crimen'.

Yes, you can say 'crimen de guante blanco', though 'delito financiero' is also very common.

It is 'crimen de odio'. This term is used frequently in modern social and legal discussions.

It is a 'crime of passion', usually a violent act committed in a moment of intense emotion like jealousy.

Yes, it is extremely common in news, literature, and general conversation about security or morality.