Inklingo

How to Say "crushed" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “crushed” is “aplastado” — use this when something is physically squashed or flattened by a heavy weight or force.

English → Spanish

aplastado

ah-plahs-TAH-dohaplasˈtaðo

adjectiveA2
Use this when something is physically squashed or flattened by a heavy weight or force.
A bright red soda can crushed completely flat on a plain surface.

Examples

El camión aplastó el coche pequeño.

The truck crushed the small car.

El coche quedó aplastado por el camión.

The car ended up crushed by the truck.

Prefiero las patatas un poco aplastadas.

I prefer the potatoes a bit mashed.

Encontré un sombrero aplastado en el fondo de mi maleta.

I found a flattened hat at the bottom of my suitcase.

Describing Feminine Things

This word changes to 'aplastada' when you are talking about something feminine, like 'una caja' (a box) or 'la uva' (the grape).

Using with 'Estar'

We use this with the verb 'estar' because being crushed is a state or the result of an action, not a permanent personality trait.

Crushed vs. Stepped On

Mistake: “Using 'aplastado' when you only mean you stepped on something lightly.”

Correction: Use 'pisado' for just stepping on something; use 'aplastado' when there is real pressure or the shape has changed.

molido

mo-LEE-dohmoˈliðo

adjectiveA2
Use this when referring to something, like coffee or spices, that has been ground into small particles.
A wooden bowl filled with fine brown cocoa powder on a rustic table.

Examples

Me gusta el café recién molido.

I like freshly ground coffee.

Prefiero comprar el café molido en lugar de en grano.

I prefer to buy ground coffee instead of whole bean.

Necesitamos tres tazas de maíz molido para la receta.

We need three cups of ground corn for the recipe.

La pimienta recién molida tiene mucho más sabor.

Freshly ground pepper has much more flavor.

Matching Gender and Number

Remember that this word must change to match what you are describing. Use 'molido' for masculine things like 'café' and 'molida' for feminine things like 'carne' or 'pimienta'.

Word Order

In Spanish, we usually put 'molido' after the food item, whereas in English 'ground' comes before the food.

Forgetting Gender

Mistake: “carne molido”

Correction: carne molida (because 'carne' is a feminine noun).

picado

pee-KAH-dohpiˈkaðo

adjectiveA2
Use this specifically for crushed ice or for ingredients like garlic or onion that have been finely chopped or minced.
A wooden cutting board with finely chopped green herbs and white onions.

Examples

Ponle hielo picado a tu bebida.

Put crushed ice in your drink.

Necesito un poco de ajo picado para la salsa.

I need some minced garlic for the sauce.

El camarero me trajo un café con hielo picado.

The waiter brought me a coffee with crushed ice.

La carne picada es perfecta para hacer hamburguesas.

Minced meat is perfect for making hamburgers.

Matching the Ending

Since this word is acting as a description, remember to change the ending to 'picada' if the thing you are describing is feminine, like 'carne' (meat).

Picado vs. Picante

Mistake: “La salsa está muy picada.”

Correction: La salsa está muy picante. Use 'picante' for spicy heat; 'picado' only means the food was physically cut into small bits.

destrozado

des-tro-ZAH-dohdes.tɾoˈθa.ðo

adjectiveB2
Use this when someone is emotionally devastated or utterly defeated, often after a significant loss or disappointment.
A simple, stylized human figure sitting alone, hunched over and weeping intensely, conveying deep emotional devastation.

Examples

El equipo quedó destrozado tras la derrota.

The team was crushed after the defeat.

Estaba destrozado después de perder el partido final.

He was devastated after losing the final match.

Llegué a casa totalmente destrozada tras doce horas de trabajo.

I arrived home totally shattered (exhausted) after twelve hours of work.

derrotado

deh-rroh-TAH-dohde.roˈta.ðo

adjectiveB1
Use this when someone feels emotionally overwhelmed, hopeless, or beaten down by circumstances.
A small person sitting on a bench under a single rain cloud, looking very sad.

Examples

Se sintió derrotado por la falta de oportunidades.

He felt crushed by the lack of opportunities.

Se sentía derrotado por tantos problemas personales.

He felt crushed by so many personal problems.

Llegó a casa derrotado después de doce horas de trabajo.

He arrived home worn out after twelve hours of work.

Using it with 'Estar'

When talking about a temporary feeling or mood, use this word with the verb 'estar' (to be) or 'sentirse' (to feel).

Not just for wars

Mistake: “Using 'cansado' for everything.”

Correction: Use 'derrotado' when you want to sound more dramatic or describe a deeper level of being worn out.

Physical vs. Emotional 'Crushed'

The most common mistake is confusing the emotional states described by 'derrotado' and 'destrozado' with physical crushing. Remember 'aplastado' is for physical weight, while 'derrotado' and 'destrozado' refer to feelings of defeat or devastation.

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