How to Say "apprehended" in Spanish
The Spanish word for “apprehended” is “pillado” — B1 level. This is a very common word in everyday Spanish.
English → SpanishB1
AdjectiveB1
formal, usually by police
Examples
El ladrón fue pillado justo cuando salía de la tienda.
The thief was caught just as he was leaving the store.
Estamos pillados en un atasco terrible en la autopista.
We are trapped/stuck in a terrible traffic jam on the highway.
Agreement is Key
Like many adjectives, 'pillado' must match the person or thing it describes: 'La niña está pillada' (The girl is caught).
Using the Wrong Verb
Mistake: “Fui pillado en el tráfico. (Implies the action of being caught is permanent.)”
Correction: Estoy pillado en el tráfico. (Use 'estar' to describe the temporary state of being stuck.)
Related Translations
Learn Spanish with Inklingo
Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.