Inklingo

How to Say "damaged" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “damaged” is “Dañado” — use 'dañado' for the general state of something being physically harmed or broken, applicable to both objects and living things..

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Dañado

adjectiveA2general
Use 'dañado' for the general state of something being physically harmed or broken, applicable to both objects and living things.

Examples

El motor del coche está dañado.

The car's engine is damaged.

Dañado

verbB1general
Use the verb 'dañar' in its past participle form 'dañado' to indicate that you have actively caused harm or damage to something.

Examples

He dañado mi teléfono nuevo.

I have damaged my new phone.

Estropeado

/es-tro-peh-AH-doh//estɾopeˈaðo/

adjectiveA2general
Use 'estropeado' specifically for inanimate objects that are broken or not functioning correctly, implying a state of disrepair.
A small handheld radio with a cracked screen and a loose wire hanging out.

Examples

No puedo enviarte el archivo porque mi ordenador está estropeado.

I can't send you the file because my computer is broken.

El ascensor lleva estropeado toda la semana.

The elevator has been out of order all week.

Changing the Ending

Since this word acts as a description, you must change the ending to 'estropeada' if you are talking about a feminine object like 'una silla' (a chair).

Using with 'Estar'

Always use the verb 'estar' (to be) with this word because it describes a condition or a state that changed, rather than a permanent characteristic.

Don't use 'Ser'

Mistake: “La radio es estropeada.”

Correction: La radio está estropeada. Use 'estar' because the radio wasn't born broken; it's just in that state right now.

Golpeado

gol-pe-AH-do/ɡolpeˈaðo/

adjectiveB1general
Use 'golpeado' when referring to objects or people that have sustained blows or impacts, resulting in visible damage or bruising.
A slightly worn and bruised teddy bear lying down, symbolizing being physically injured or battered.

Examples

El boxeador terminó el combate muy golpeado.

The boxer finished the fight very battered.

Tuvimos que devolver el paquete porque llegó golpeado.

We had to return the package because it arrived damaged.

La mesa vieja está golpeada en las esquinas.

The old table is damaged (or dented) on the corners.

Gender and Number Agreement

As an adjective, 'golpeado' must match the word it describes. If you are talking about a woman, you must say 'golpeada'. If you are talking about multiple items, use 'golpeados' or 'golpeadas'.

Forgetting the Gender Change

Mistake: “La caja estaba golpeado.”

Correction: La caja estaba golpeada. (Since 'caja' is feminine, the adjective must also be feminine.)

Tocado

toh-KAH-doh/toˈkaðo/

adjectiveB2general
Choose 'tocado' when something, like a machine or even a person, has been affected or impaired, often in a way that impacts its performance or emotional state.
A bright red apple sitting on a surface, clearly showing a large, dark bruise and a visible crack on its skin, indicating damage.

Examples

El motor de la lancha está tocado; no arranca bien.

The boat engine is damaged; it doesn't start well.

Después de la noticia, María se quedó muy tocada.

After the news, Maria was left deeply affected (or hurt).

Creo que ese hombre está un poco tocado de la cabeza.

I think that man is a little bit crazy (literally: touched in the head).

Agreement

As an adjective, 'tocado' changes its ending to match the person or thing it describes: 'el coche tocado' (the damaged car) vs. 'la ventana tocada' (the damaged window).

Dañado vs. Estropeado

Learners often confuse 'dañado' and 'estropeado' for broken objects. Use 'estropeado' more for a machine or device that has simply stopped working. 'Dañado' is broader and can imply actual physical harm or destruction.

Related Translations

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