preso
/PREH-soh/
prisoner
As a noun, preso means a prisoner, someone held captive.
📝 In Action
El preso pidió ver a su abogado inmediatamente.
B1The prisoner asked to see his lawyer immediately.
Todos los presos tienen derecho a recibir visitas.
B2All the inmates have the right to receive visits.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Matching
Since 'preso' is a noun, it refers to a man. To talk about a female prisoner, you must use the feminine form: 'la presa'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal vs. Informal
'Preso' is a neutral, standard term. In legal documents, you might see 'recluso' or 'condenado' (convict).
When used as an adjective, preso describes something or someone as imprisoned or held captive.
📝 In Action
La víctima estuvo presa por tres días sin comida.
B2The victim was held captive/imprisoned for three days without food.
Se sentía preso en su propia casa.
C1He felt trapped/imprisoned in his own house.
💡 Grammar Points
Must Agree in Number and Gender
Since 'preso' is an adjective here, it must agree with the person or thing it describes: 'un hombre preso' (a captive man), 'unas mujeres presas' (some captive women).
The Root Verb
'Preso' is the irregular past participle of the verb 'prender' (to catch, seize, or arrest). You will see it used in perfect tenses, but it is far more common as an adjective or noun.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'preso' and 'encarcelado'
Mistake: "Using 'preso' only for someone who is formally sentenced."
Correction: 'Preso' can describe anyone detained or held against their will, even if it's just a metaphorical feeling, whereas 'encarcelado' usually means formally jailed.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: preso
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses the feminine plural form of 'preso'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'preso' the same as 'encarcelado'?
They are very similar! 'Encarcelado' specifically means 'jailed' or 'put in prison.' 'Preso' is broader; it means 'captured' or 'held captive.' Someone can be 'preso' by kidnappers or even by a strong feeling, but 'encarcelado' almost always means they are officially in a correctional facility.
Why is 'preso' the past participle of 'prender' if it doesn't end in -ido?
'Preso' is an irregular past participle. While most verbs follow the regular pattern (-ado or -ido), 'prender' is one of the verbs that kept an older form inherited directly from Latin, making its past participle 'preso' instead of 'prendido' (though 'prendido' is sometimes used, especially for turning on a light).