Inklingo

How to Say "afflicted" in Spanish

English → Spanish

afecta

ah-FEK-tah/aˈfekta/

AdjectiveB1General
Use 'afecta' when referring to an area or group of people that has been directly impacted or damaged by a disaster, illness, or negative event.
A lone, visibly wilted sunflower drooping its heavy head in a patch of dry, cracked earth, illustrating distress from lack of water.

Examples

La zona más afecta por el huracán necesita ayuda inmediata.

The area most afflicted by the hurricane needs immediate help.

La paciente está afecta de una enfermedad rara.

The patient is afflicted with a rare disease.

Past Participle Usage

This meaning comes directly from the past participle of 'afectar' and describes the state resulting from the verb's action (being hit or impacted).

atacado

/ah-tah-KAH-doh//ataˈkaðo/

AdjectiveB1General
Use 'atacado' when an entity (like a person, animal, or even a concept) is suffering from a disease, a problem, or is under attack by something.
A simple wooden castle wall being struck by three bright, cartoon-style arrows.

Examples

El paciente está atacado de una enfermedad rara.

The patient is afflicted with a rare disease.

El castillo fue atacado por el ejército enemigo.

The castle was attacked by the enemy army.

El bosque está atacado por una plaga de insectos.

The forest is afflicted by an insect plague.

Passive Voice

In this meaning, 'atacado' is often used to describe the recipient of an action, like 'The city was attacked' (La ciudad fue atacada).

General vs. Specific Impact

Learners often confuse 'afecta' and 'atacado' by using 'atacado' for general suffering. Remember that 'afecta' is best for describing areas or groups directly hit by something negative, like a disaster. 'Atacado' is more about an individual or entity suffering from a specific problem or illness.

Related Translations

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