recluso
“recluso” means “inmate” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
inmate
Also: prisoner, convict
📝 In Action
El recluso cumplió su condena de cinco años.
B1The inmate served his five-year sentence.
Cada recluso tiene derecho a una hora de ejercicio al aire libre.
B1Every prisoner is entitled to one hour of outdoor exercise.
Los guardias vigilan a los reclusos durante el almuerzo.
A2The guards watch the inmates during lunch.
secluded
Also: imprisoned, reclusive
📝 In Action
Se mantiene recluso en su habitación para estudiar.
B2He stays secluded in his room to study.
El escritor vivió sus últimos años recluso en su mansión.
C1The writer lived his final years reclusive in his mansion.
Estaba recluso por su propia voluntad.
B2He was shut away by his own choice.
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: recluso
Question 1 of 3
What is the most common meaning of 'un recluso' in a news report?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin word 'reclusus', which is the past form of 'recludere', meaning to shut away or close off.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'recluso' and 'preso'?
They mean the same thing, but 'recluso' is more formal. 'Preso' is the word you'll hear most often in daily conversation, while 'recluso' is common in newspapers and legal documents.
Can I use 'recluso' to describe someone who is just shy?
Not really. 'Recluso' implies being physically shut in a space (like a house or a cell). For someone shy or who doesn't like parties, words like 'tímido' or 'huraño' are better.
Is 'recluso' a verb?
Technically, it is an old form of the past action of 'recluir', but today it is almost always used as a noun (a person) or an adjective (a description).