herido
“herido” means “wounded” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
wounded
Also: injured, hurt
📝 In Action
El corredor estaba herido después de la caída, pero siguió corriendo.
A2The runner was wounded after the fall, but he kept running.
Encontraron la caja fuerte herida con marcas de intento de robo.
B1They found the safe damaged with marks of an attempted robbery.
injured person
Also: casualty
📝 In Action
Los servicios de emergencia atendieron a los heridos del accidente.
B1The emergency services attended to the injured people from the accident.
Solo hubo un herido leve en el choque de coches.
B2There was only one lightly injured person in the car crash.
wounded
📝 In Action
El cazador ha herido al venado con una flecha.
A2The hunter has wounded the deer with an arrow.
La víctima fue herida en el brazo, pero se recuperará.
B1The victim was wounded in the arm, but she will recover.
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: herido
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'herido' as a noun?
📚 More Resources
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
'Herido' comes from the Latin verb *ferīre*, meaning 'to strike' or 'to hit'. The initial 'f' sound in Latin often turned into a silent 'h' in Spanish over the centuries.
First recorded: Medieval Spanish (approx. 13th century)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'herido' and 'lesionado'?
Both mean 'injured' or 'hurt.' 'Herido' often implies a wound that breaks the skin or causes visible damage (like a bullet wound or cut), while 'lesionado' often refers to general injuries, strains, or sports injuries (like a muscle tear). However, in general conversation, they are often interchangeable.
Why does 'herido' sometimes change its ending and sometimes not?
It depends on its job! If its job is to describe a person or thing (like an adjective or in the passive voice), it changes its ending: 'herida/heridos.' If its job is to help form a compound verb with 'haber' (like 'ha herido'), it is fixed and never changes.