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How to Say "crushed" in Spanish

English → Spanish

derrotado

/deh-rroh-TAH-doh//de.roˈta.ðo/

adjectiveB1
Use 'derrotado' when someone feels emotionally overwhelmed, hopeless, or defeated by circumstances, often implying a sense of resignation.
A small person sitting on a bench under a single rain cloud, looking very sad.

Examples

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.

destrozado

des-tro-ZAH-doh/des.tɾoˈθa.ðo/

adjectiveB2
Use 'destrozado' for a more intense emotional devastation, indicating someone is deeply hurt, broken, or shattered by an event or loss.
A simple, stylized human figure sitting alone, hunched over and weeping intensely, conveying deep emotional devastation.

Examples

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.

Choosing between 'derrotado' and 'destrozado'

Learners often confuse 'derrotado' and 'destrozado' by using 'derrotado' for very intense emotional pain. Remember that 'destrozado' signifies a deeper, more shattering emotional state, while 'derrotado' implies feeling overwhelmed or beaten by problems.

Related Translations

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