lastimar
/lahs-tee-MAHR/
to injure
Lastimar means 'to injure' or cause physical harm, like getting a scrape that needs a bandage.
lastimar(Verb)
to injure
?to cause physical harm
,to hurt
?to cause physical pain
to wound
?to break the skin
📝 In Action
El perro lastimó al cartero en el brazo.
A2The dog injured the mail carrier on the arm.
Ten cuidado, no te vayas a lastimar con esa herramienta.
B1Be careful, don't hurt yourself with that tool. (using lastimarse)
¿Te lastimaste cuando te caíste de la bicicleta?
A2Did you hurt yourself when you fell off the bicycle?
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'Lastimarse'
When you hurt yourself, you must use the reflexive form ('lastimarse') and a pronoun (me, te, se, nos). For example: 'Me lastimé' (I hurt myself).
Focus on the Body Part
Spanish usually focuses on the body part being hurt, not the possessor. Say: 'Me lastimé la mano' (I hurt MY hand), not 'Me lastimé mi mano'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Lastimar vs. Doler
Mistake: "Using 'lastimar' when you mean 'to feel pain,' e.g., 'Mi cabeza lastima.'"
Correction: Use 'doler' for the sensation of pain. 'Me duele la cabeza' (My head hurts). 'Lastimar' is the *action* of causing the injury.
⭐ Usage Tips
The Passive Voice Alternative
Instead of saying 'The arm was hurt,' Spanish often uses the reflexive construction: 'Se lastimó el brazo' (The arm got hurt/He hurt his arm).
Lastimar can also mean 'to hurt feelings' or cause emotional pain.
lastimar(Verb)
to hurt (feelings)
?emotionally
,to offend
?to cause emotional distress
to upset
?to make someone feel bad
📝 In Action
Sus críticas lastimaron mi orgullo.
B1His criticisms hurt my pride.
No quería lastimarte con ese comentario tan duro.
B1I didn't want to hurt you with such a harsh comment.
Se lastimó mucho cuando supo la verdad.
B2She was very hurt (emotionally) when she found out the truth.
💡 Grammar Points
Emotional Use
When used for feelings, 'lastimar' is stronger than 'molestar' (to bother). It implies deep offense or sorrow.
⭐ Usage Tips
Using the Reflexive Form
When someone is hurt by something, you can use the reflexive form 'lastimarse' to describe their state: 'Ella se lastimó por lo que dijeron' (She was hurt by what they said).
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: lastimar
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'lastimar' in its most common reflexive sense?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'lastimar' and 'doler'?
'Lastimar' is the *action* of causing damage or injury (e.g., 'The rock lastimó his foot'). 'Doler' is the *sensation* of pain that results (e.g., 'His foot duele now'). Think of 'lastimar' as 'to injure' and 'doler' as 'to ache/to be painful.'
Can I use 'lastimado' as an adjective?
Yes! The past participle 'lastimado' is frequently used as an adjective meaning 'injured' or 'wounded.' For example: 'El jugador lastimado salió del campo' (The injured player left the field).