prisioneros
“prisioneros” means “prisoners” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
prisoners
Also: captives, detainees
📝 In Action
Los prisioneros de guerra fueron liberados al final del conflicto.
B1The prisoners of war were released at the end of the conflict.
El guardia contó a todos los prisioneros antes de cerrar las celdas.
A2The guard counted all the prisoners before closing the cells.
captive
Also: imprisoned
📝 In Action
Los animales prisioneros en el zoológico parecían tristes.
B2The captive animals in the zoo looked sad.
La tripulación prisionera no intentó escapar.
C1The imprisoned crew did not try to escape.
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: prisioneros
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly uses 'prisioneros' as an adjective?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes from the Spanish noun 'prisión' (prison), which itself traces back through Old French to the Latin word *prehensio*, meaning 'a seizing' or 'a taking.' So, a 'prisionero' is literally 'the one who has been taken.'
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Since 'prisioneros' is masculine, can I use it to refer to a group of women?
Yes! In Spanish, the masculine plural form ('prisioneros') is the standard way to refer to a mixed group of men and women, or sometimes even a group of women when the gender is not emphasized or known. If you know the group is exclusively female, use 'prisioneras'.
What is the difference between 'prisioneros' and 'detenidos'?
'Prisioneros' usually implies a more formal confinement, often in a war or long-term jail setting. 'Detenidos' (detainees) is usually used for someone held by the police for a short time or for investigation.