perjuicio
“perjuicio” means “harm” in Spanish (general damage or negative effect).
harm, damage
Also: detriment, loss
📝 In Action
El tabaco causa un gran perjuicio a los pulmones.
A2Tobacco causes great harm to the lungs.
La huelga de transporte supuso un perjuicio económico para la ciudad.
B1The transport strike resulted in an economic loss for the city.
El juez ordenó el pago por daños y perjuicios.
C1The judge ordered the payment of damages and losses.
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: perjuicio
Question 1 of 3
Which word would you use to describe the financial harm caused by a broken contract?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From Latin 'praeiudicium', which originally meant a 'prior judgment'. Over time, the meaning shifted from a legal decision made beforehand to the negative consequences or 'harm' that such a decision might cause.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'perjuicio' the same as 'prejudice' in English?
Not exactly. While they look similar, 'perjuicio' means harm or damage. The English word 'prejudice' (a bias against someone) is 'prejuicio' in Spanish. They are very easy to mix up!
What does 'daños y perjuicios' mean in a courtroom?
It is the standard legal term for 'damages.' 'Daños' usually refers to direct damage to property or person, while 'perjuicios' refers to the indirect losses, like lost wages or future earnings.
Can I use 'perjuicio' for a broken heart?
It sounds a bit too formal for romance! You would usually use 'daño' or 'dolor' for emotional hurt. Use 'perjuicio' for things like business, health, or legal matters.