pecado

Pecado is a term used in Spanish and Portuguese to denote an act that violates divine or moral law. The word derives from the Latin peccatum, from peccare, meaning to sin. In Christian theology, pecados are discussed as violations of God’s law and can be examined within various doctrinal frameworks.

In Catholicism, sins are often categorized as mortal sins and venial sins. Mortal sins are considered grave violations that sever the soul’s relationship with God, requiring contrition and sacramental absolution for forgiveness. Venial sins are lesser offenses that harm, but do not sever, communion with God. The concept of original sin also appears under the term pecados originales in Catholic and some Protestant thought, referring to humanity’s fallen state inherited from Adam and Eve.

The seven deadly sins, or pecados capitais in Spanish and Portuguese, represent a traditional grouping of vices: lust, gluttony, greed, envy, wrath, pride, and sloth. These are often used in moral and literary discussions to illustrate fundamental human frailties rather than formal doctrinal categories.

In secular usage, pecados can refer to moral transgressions in a broader sense and are frequently found in cultural expressions, including literature, film, and music, where themes of guilt and wrongdoing are explored. The term is also used in everyday language to describe actions perceived as ethically improper, even outside religious contexts.

Pecado is distinct from legal offenses; while some moral norms have influenced legal codes historically, pecado remains primarily a religious and moral concept rather than a legal category in modern secular jurisdictions. See also sin, original sin, mortal sin, venial sin, penance, confession.