detenido
“detenido” means “detainee” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
detainee, arrested person
Also: prisoner
📝 In Action
El detenido pidió hablar con su abogado antes de declarar.
B1The detainee asked to speak with his lawyer before making a statement.
La policía identificó al detenido como un sospechoso habitual.
B2The police identified the arrested person as a usual suspect.
stopped, halted
Also: delayed
📝 In Action
El tráfico estuvo detenido por un accidente en la autopista.
B1Traffic was stopped due to an accident on the highway.
El proyecto de construcción quedó detenido hasta el próximo mes.
B2The construction project was halted until next month.
stopped, detained
📝 In Action
El director ha detenido la producción por problemas técnicos.
A2The director has stopped production due to technical problems.
Nunca antes habíamos detenido un proyecto tan avanzado.
B1We had never before halted such an advanced project.
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: detenido
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'detenido' as an adjective describing a non-person object?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin verb *detinere*, which means 'to hold back' or 'to keep away.' It is the past participle of the Spanish verb *detener*.
First recorded: Medieval Spanish period (as related forms of *detener*)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'detenido' and 'parado'?
'Parado' means stopped or standing still and is generally used for simple physical stops (e.g., a bus stopped at a light). 'Detenido' often implies a more forceful or official stop, especially when referring to someone taken into custody by the police, or when describing a project that has been forcibly halted or delayed.
Does 'detenido' function as a regular verb?
No. 'Detenido' is the past participle form of the irregular verb 'detener' (to stop/detain). It is used either as an adjective/noun, or combined with 'haber' to form complete tenses (like 'he detenido').