privados
“privados” means “private” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
private
Also: personal
📝 In Action
Ellos estudian en colegios privados.
A2They study in private schools.
Son asuntos privados del jefe.
B1They are the boss's private matters.
private messages
Also: DMs
📝 In Action
Le escribí varios privados pero no me respondió.
B1I sent him several DMs but he didn't answer me.
deprived
Also: lacking
📝 In Action
Fueron privados de sus derechos básicos.
B2They were deprived of their basic rights.
Los prisioneros están privados de libertad.
C1The prisoners are deprived of freedom (imprisoned).
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: privados
Question 1 of 2
Which of these is the most common use of 'privados' on social media?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin 'privatus', which means 'withdrawn from public life' or 'belonging to oneself'.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'privados' always mean 'private'?
Mostly, yes! However, in formal contexts, it can also mean 'deprived of' something, usually followed by the word 'de'.
Can I use 'privados' for a group of women?
No, if the group is strictly female or the nouns are feminine (like 'casas'), you should use 'privadas'.