preso
“preso” means “prisoner” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
prisoner
Also: inmate
📝 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.
imprisoned
Also: 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.
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: preso
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses the feminine plural form of 'preso'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes from the Latin word *prehensus*, which was the past participle of the verb *prehendere*, meaning 'to seize' or 'to catch.' This explains why 'preso' is the irregular past participle of the modern Spanish verb 'prender' (to arrest).
First recorded: Around the 13th century in Spanish.
Cognates (Related words)
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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).