prisioneros
/pree-syoh-NEH-rohs/
prisoners
The image shows prisioneros (prisoners) held captive.
prisioneros(noun)
prisoners
?people held captive
captives
?military or conflict context
,detainees
?legal context
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Masculine Plural Form
This word is the plural form of the masculine noun 'prisionero.' It is used for a group of male prisoners, or a mixed group of male and female prisoners.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the Singular
Mistake: "Vi un prisioneros en la calle."
Correction: Vi unos prisioneros en la calle. (You need the plural form 'prisioneros' when referring to more than one.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Referring to Women
To specifically refer to a group of only female prisoners, use 'prisioneras' (ending in -as).
This image illustrates a person being held prisioneros (captive) or in confinement.
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Matching the Noun
As an adjective, 'prisioneros' must match the noun it describes. Since it ends in -os, it modifies a masculine plural noun, like 'soldados' (soldiers) or 'animales' (animals).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Gender Agreement
Mistake: "Las personas prisionero fueron rescatadas."
Correction: Las personas prisioneras fueron rescatadas. (Since 'personas' is feminine plural, the adjective must be 'prisioneras.')
⭐ Usage Tips
Positioning
This adjective usually comes after the noun it describes: 'soldados prisioneros' (captive soldiers).
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: prisioneros
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly uses 'prisioneros' as an adjective?
📚 More Resources
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.