How to Say "captive" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “captive” is “prisionero” — use 'prisionero' when referring to a person who is being held against their will, typically in a jail or as a detainee..
prisionero
pree-syoh-NEH-roh/pɾisjoˈneɾo/
Examples
El prisionero intentó escapar de la celda durante la noche.
The prisoner tried to escape from the cell during the night.
Hubo un intercambio de prisioneros de guerra entre los dos países.
There was an exchange of prisoners of war between the two countries.
El ladrón es ahora prisionero de la justicia.
The thief is now a prisoner of justice.
El soldado prisionero se negó a dar información.
The captive soldier refused to give information.
Gender Change
Remember that 'prisionero' is masculine. If you are talking about a woman, you must change it to 'prisionera'.
Adjective Agreement
As an adjective, 'prisionero' must match the gender and number of the noun it describes. (e.g., 'soldado prisionero' but 'soldada prisionera').
Confusing Noun and Location
Mistake: “Using 'prisión' when you mean 'prisionero'.”
Correction: A 'prisión' is the place (prison/jail), and a 'prisionero' is the person. They are not interchangeable.
Using the Adjective Invariably
Mistake: “Decir 'la mujer prisionero' (The prisoner woman).”
Correction: It must agree: 'la mujer prisionera'. Adjectives always follow the noun's rules!
rehén
Examples
La policía negoció la liberación de los rehenes a cambio de un coche.
The police negotiated the release of the hostages in exchange for a car.
esclavo
ess-CLAH-voh/esˈklaβo/
Examples
La población esclava de la colonia aumentó rápidamente.
The enslaved population of the colony grew rapidly.
Se sentía esclavo de las circunstancias.
He felt captive to the circumstances.
Adjective Agreement
Like most Spanish adjectives, 'esclavo' must match the gender and number of the noun it describes: 'pueblo esclavo' (masculine singular) vs. 'mujeres esclavas' (feminine plural).
preso
PREH-soh/ˈpɾe.so/
Examples
La víctima estuvo presa por tres días sin comida.
The victim was held captive/imprisoned for three days without food.
Se sentía preso en su propia casa.
He felt trapped/imprisoned in his own house.
Must Agree in Number and Gender
Since 'preso' is an adjective here, it must agree with the person or thing it describes: 'un hombre preso' (a captive man), 'unas mujeres presas' (some captive women).
The Root Verb
'Preso' is the irregular past participle of the verb 'prender' (to catch, seize, or arrest). You will see it used in perfect tenses, but it is far more common as an adjective or noun.
Confusing 'preso' and 'encarcelado'
Mistake: “Using 'preso' only for someone who is formally sentenced.”
Correction: 'Preso' can describe anyone detained or held against their will, even if it's just a metaphorical feeling, whereas 'encarcelado' usually means formally jailed.
prisionero
pree-syoh-NEH-roh/pɾisjoˈneɾo/
Examples
El soldado prisionero se negó a dar información.
The captive soldier refused to give information.
El prisionero intentó escapar de la celda durante la noche.
The prisoner tried to escape from the cell during the night.
Hubo un intercambio de prisioneros de guerra entre los dos países.
There was an exchange of prisoners of war between the two countries.
El ladrón es ahora prisionero de la justicia.
The thief is now a prisoner of justice.
Gender Change
Remember that 'prisionero' is masculine. If you are talking about a woman, you must change it to 'prisionera'.
Adjective Agreement
As an adjective, 'prisionero' must match the gender and number of the noun it describes. (e.g., 'soldado prisionero' but 'soldada prisionera').
Confusing Noun and Location
Mistake: “Using 'prisión' when you mean 'prisionero'.”
Correction: A 'prisión' is the place (prison/jail), and a 'prisionero' is the person. They are not interchangeable.
Using the Adjective Invariably
Mistake: “Decir 'la mujer prisionero' (The prisoner woman).”
Correction: It must agree: 'la mujer prisionera'. Adjectives always follow the noun's rules!
Prisionero vs. Rehén
Related Translations
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