Written by Gabriela Estrada

Learning English goes far beyond acquiring basic vocabulary basic vocabularyit also involves becoming familiar with words and expressions that can be of great importance in sensitive in sensitive situationssituations, such as, for example, a crime or a sanction or punishment.

For English students of English who plan to live in an English-speaking country, such as Canada, understanding this issue can lead to legal legally protect themselves from an unwanted situation, as well as to better integrate into better integrate into societyto better integrate into society, to handle sensitive conversations and to participate in legal or social discussions with fluency and confidence..

Today we will talk about crimes and penaltiesand penalties, classified according to their seriousness, and the key words in English to talk about the topic. In addition, you will find practical strategies for learn this vocabulary at home and improve your fluency in the language. Read with me to the end and take note of common words and expressions - let's get started!

Crimes in English vs. crime in Spanish

In English, the word crimes means crimes or offenses in general. It is a broad term used to describe acts that violate the laws established by a society. However, the seriousness of crimes may vary depending on the context.

In Spanish, the word crime generally refers to a serious act serious act that violates the law and has important legal consequences. This term is most commonly used to describe serious crimes, such as homicide, kidnapping or terrorism.

Therefore, crimes does not automatically imply serious crimes; their interpretation depends on how they are classified within the legal system of the English-speaking country.

Let's look at the associated vocabulary in English according to the severity of the facts. 

• Misdemeanor: refers to misdemeanors, such as traffic violations or petty theft.

• Felony: indicates serious crimes, such as homicide or robbery with violence.

English vocabulary for crimes and misdemeanors 

Less Severe Crimes (Less Severe Crimes)

• Misdemeanor: misdemeanor less serious than a felony

• Petty theft: petty theft

• Traffic violation: traffic violation
• Disorderly conduct: disorderly conduct

Serious Crimes (Serious Crimes)

• Assault: assault

• Fraud: fraud

• Burglary: theft of private property

• Drug trafficking: Drug trafficking

• Armed robbery: armed robbery

Extremely Serious Crimes (Severe Crimes)

• Homicide: homicide

• Human trafficking: human trafficking

• Terrorism: terrorism

• Money laundering: money laundering

• Kidnapping: kidnapping

Vocabulary in English for punishments or penalties

For misdemeanors (Minor Offenses)

• Fine: fine
• Community service: community service
• ProbationProbation: parole
• Suspended sentencesuspended sentence
• Warning: warning

For Serious Crimes (Serious Crimes)

• Imprisonment: prison
• House arrest: house arrest
• Paroleparole: parole
• Restitution: reparation of the damage (compensation to the victim)
• Forfeitureconfiscation of property

For extremely serious crimes (Severe Crimes)

• Life imprisonmentlife imprisonment
• Death penaltydeath penalty (applicable in countries where it is allowed)
• Solitary confinementSolitary confinement
• ExtraditionExtradition (in cases of international crimes)
• Maximum-security incarcerationMaximum-security incarceration

Importance of learning vocabulary about a crime and/or punishment.

Understanding this set of terms is important to differentiate differentiate whether the crime was serious or not. The English context of a crime or that of a sanction can help in the face of an unexpected legal event, and also serves to harmoniously harmoniously adapt to daily life in an English-speaking country..

In Canada, the arrival of immigrants is quite common, many of them may at some point need to correctly identify legal risks, whether major or minor, but equally important to handle English vocabulary that will lead them to understand a sensitive legal context and act accordingly with informed decision making.

Strategies for learning English at home

Speaking and writing fluently in English requires constant practice. constant practice. Once familiar with the words in context, the student can use flashcards with the with the English term on the one hand and its Spanish definition on the other.

It also works create visual tables with diagrams with diagrams that classify terms according to their severity. These activities activate reading and writing skills.

The vocabulary of crimes and punishments can be further consolidated by activating the area of listening. the area of listening is activated through pronunciation either from the recorded lecture of the English course teacher or from an online application. The important thing is to adapt the ear to the phonetics of the vocabulary to the phonetics of the vocabulary and repeat it aloud during homework to develop speaking proficiency.

To put the conversation into practice, discussion scenarios related to crimes and punishments can be simulated, taking into account the vocabulary learned.

Would you like to learn other strategies to gain fluency in English? Our language courses are the perfect complement for those who want to improve their English for legal matters and much more. View English courses.

Learn English with Planeta Immiland Education

We are the first immigration language school for Canada and our certified teachers can teach you how to speak English for work, academics, personal and our certified teachers can teach you to speak English for work, academics, personal purposes or to immigrate to Canada. In addition, we are certified by Languages Canadawhich guarantees a good learning of the language adapted to the Canadian reality.

At Planeta Immiland Education, we offer English and French courses for beginners, intermediate and advanced students. Contact us at and we will be happy to help you with whatever you need.

I hope this article has helped you learn the essential vocabulary for talking about crimes and punishments in English. 

Thanks for reading, see you in the next blog!

With love,

Planeta Immiland Education