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How to Say "damage" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “damage” is “daño” — use 'daño' for physical or material harm caused by an event or action, like to property, the environment, or health.

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daño

NounA2general
Use 'daño' for physical or material harm caused by an event or action, like to property, the environment, or health.

Examples

El terremoto causó graves daños en la ciudad.

The earthquake caused serious damage to the city.

costo

KOHS-tohˈkos.to

NounB1general
Use 'costo' to refer to the negative impact or consequence of a decision or action, often in a political, social, or economic sense.
A single, determined hiker stands exhausted but triumphant on the peak of a very steep green hill, symbolizing the effort and sacrifice required to reach a goal.

Examples

La mala gestión tuvo un alto costo para la reputación de la empresa.

The mismanagement had a high cost for the company's reputation.

La decisión tuvo un costo político muy alto para el presidente.

The decision had a very high political cost for the president.

El éxito se logró, pero con un costo enorme en tiempo personal.

Success was achieved, but at an enormous cost in personal time.

Figurative Use

This meaning describes effort or consequences, often paired with abstract nouns like 'emocional' (emotional) or 'humano' (human).

NounB1general
Use 'pérdida' when referring to something lost, especially in a physical or monetary sense, like lost goods or financial deficits.

Examples

La empresa lamentó la pérdida de inventario debido al robo.

The company regretted the loss of inventory due to the theft.

perjuicio

per-HWEE-syohperˈxwi.sjo

NounB2formal
Use 'perjuicio' for legal or financial loss or detriment, often implying harm to someone's rights or interests in a formal context.
A wilted, brown flower drooping in a cracked, dry flowerpot.

Examples

El fraude causó un gran perjuicio económico a los inversores.

The fraud caused great financial damage to the investors.

El tabaco causa un gran perjuicio a los pulmones.

Tobacco causes great harm to the lungs.

La huelga de transporte supuso un perjuicio económico para la ciudad.

The transport strike resulted in an economic loss for the city.

El juez ordenó el pago por daños y perjuicios.

The judge ordered the payment of damages and losses.

It's a Thing, Not an Action

Perjuicio is a noun (a thing). If you want to describe the action of harming someone, you should use the related verb 'perjudicar'.

Using 'En perjuicio de'

This phrase is used to show who is being hurt by an action. Think of it as 'at the expense of' or 'to the disadvantage of'.

The 'Prejuicio' Trap

Mistake: “Using 'perjuicio' when you mean 'prejudice' or 'bias'.”

Correction: Use 'perjuicio' for harm/damage. Use 'prejuicio' for a preconceived opinion or social bias.

lesión

NounC1formal
Use 'lesión' specifically when referring to harm done to someone's rights, interests, or reputation, often in a legal or ethical context.

Examples

El despido improcedente supuso una lesión de sus derechos laborales.

The unfair dismissal constituted a violation of his labor rights.

Daño vs. Costo vs. Pérdida

Learners often confuse 'daño' (physical harm) with 'costo' (consequence/impact) and 'pérdida' (loss). Remember that 'daño' is for something being broken or harmed physically, while 'costo' refers to the negative effect of an action, and 'pérdida' is about something being gone or missing.

Related Translations

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