Inklingo

How to Say "captives" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “captives” is “prisioneros” — use 'prisioneros' when referring to people held captive specifically in a military or conflict situation, often as prisoners of war..

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prisioneros

pree-syoh-NEH-rohs/pɾisjoˈneɾos/

nounB1military or conflict context
Use 'prisioneros' when referring to people held captive specifically in a military or conflict situation, often as prisoners of war.
Three figures wearing simple gray uniforms standing closely together behind thick black vertical metal bars, illustrating confinement.

Examples

Los prisioneros de guerra fueron liberados al final del conflicto.

The prisoners of war were released at the end of the conflict.

El guardia contó a todos los prisioneros antes de cerrar las celdas.

The guard counted all the prisoners before closing the cells.

Masculine Plural Form

This word is the plural form of the masculine noun 'prisionero.' It is used for a group of male prisoners, or a mixed group of male and female prisoners.

Using the Singular

Mistake: “Vi un prisioneros en la calle.”

Correction: Vi unos prisioneros en la calle. (You need the plural form 'prisioneros' when referring to more than one.)

rehenes

/rreh-EH-ness//reˈenes/

nounB2general term for people held against their will
Use 'rehenes' for people held against their will in a general sense, such as in a kidnapping or terrorist situation.
Three simplified, wide-eyed people standing close together in a brightly colored, empty room, looking slightly worried. A large, visible padlock is on the handle of the single door, symbolizing their confinement.

Examples

El grupo terrorista liberó a los rehenes después de las negociaciones.

The terrorist group released the hostages after the negotiations.

La policía intentó rescatar a los rehenes sin usar la fuerza.

The police tried to rescue the captives without using force.

El secuestrador exigió un rescate a cambio de la vida de los rehenes.

The kidnapper demanded a ransom in exchange for the lives of the hostages.

Always Plural

This word, 'rehenes,' is the plural form. If you need to talk about just one person, you must use the singular: 'un rehén' (a single hostage).

Gender Neutrality

Even though 'rehenes' is grammatically masculine (like 'los rehenes'), it refers to both male and female captives. It is a gender-neutral term for a group of people.

Rehenes vs. Prisioneros

Mistake: “Using 'prisioneros' when referring to people held for leverage.”

Correction: 'Rehenes' are people held to force demands from a third party (like a government). 'Prisioneros' (prisoners) are usually captured combatants or people serving a sentence.

Confusing Military Captives with General Hostages

Learners often use 'rehenes' for all situations where someone is held captive. Remember that 'prisioneros' is specific to military or war contexts, while 'rehenes' is a broader term for any person held against their will.

Related Translations

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