Noun (sustantivo)
/hur.to/
"Hurto" refers to the act of unlawfully taking someone else's property with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of it. In legal terms, it is often categorized as a form of theft.
In Spanish, the term is used in both formal legal contexts and general discussions about criminal activities. It is relatively common in both oral and written forms, especially relevant in legal documents, discussions, and news related to crime.
El hurto de la mercancía fue reportado a la policía.
The theft of the merchandise was reported to the police.
El hurto en tiendas está aumentando en la ciudad.
Shoplifting is increasing in the city.
La ley castiga severamente el hurto en propiedades ajenas.
The law severely punishes theft on other people's property.
While "hurto" itself is not commonly used in many idiomatic expressions, it is related to some phrases that talk about theft or crime more broadly. Here are a few examples:
"Hacer un hurto"
To commit theft
Ejemplo: Hicieron un hurto en la joyería anoche.
They committed a theft at the jewelry store last night.
"Con mano de ladrón"
With a thief's hand (to steal)
Ejemplo: Entró en su habitación con mano de ladrón y tomó su reloj.
He entered her room with a thief's hand and took her watch.
"Estar en la mira del hurto"
To be in the sights of theft
Ejemplo: Los turistas suelen estar en la mira del hurto en las grandes ciudades.
Tourists are often in the sights of theft in large cities.
The word "hurto" comes from the Latin term "furtum," which means theft or robbery. The evolution of the term reflects its longstanding association with unlawful appropriation of property.
Synonyms: - Robo (robbery) - Sustracción (removal, subtraction)
Antonyms: - Devolución (return) - Restitución (restitution)
In summary, "hurto" is a significant term within legal and everyday contexts in Spanish, closely tied to discussions around crime and property rights.