Meaning
offence/offense, crime
In a sentence
Rubare in un negozio è un reato.
Stealing in a shop is a crime.
Hai capito quale reato ha commesso?
Did you understand what crime he committed?
Non è un reato sbagliare una volta.
Making a mistake once isn't a crime.
Word forms (2)
| Word | Word forms |
|---|---|
| reato | masculine · singular |
| reati | masculine · plural |
Usage notes
- Use reato in legal or formal contexts. In everyday speech, people often say crimine for serious crime or illecito for a generic unlawful act.
- Common pattern: commettere un reato, not fare un reato.
- Often followed by di + noun: reato di furto, reato di frode.