Inklingo

How to Say "defeated" in Spanish

English → Spanish

derrotado

/deh-rroh-TAH-doh//de.roˈta.ðo/

adjectiveA2general
Use 'derrotado' when referring to a loss in a competition, battle, or conflict, emphasizing the outcome of the struggle.
A sad knight sitting on the ground with a broken wooden sword next to him.

Examples

El equipo de casa fue derrotado por un marcador de 3-0.

The home team was defeated by a score of 3-0.

El ejército enemigo fue derrotado en la batalla final.

The enemy army was defeated in the final battle.

El campeón salió derrotado después de un partido muy difícil.

The champion emerged beaten after a very difficult match.

Matching the Person

Since this word describes a person or thing, it must change to match them. Use 'derrotada' for a female, 'derrotados' for a group of men, and 'derrotadas' for a group of women.

vencido

ven-SEE-doh/benˈsiðo/

adjectiveB1general
Use 'vencido' when the focus is on the state of being overcome or having lost, often implying a sense of exhaustion or finality after a struggle.
A sad cartoon knight sitting on the ground next to his fallen flag, symbolizing defeat after a battle or competition.

Examples

Tras horas de debate, el candidato se sintió vencido y abandonó la contienda.

After hours of debate, the candidate felt defeated and abandoned the contest.

El boxeador se sentía vencido después del nocaut.

The boxer felt defeated after the knockout.

Aunque la situación era difícil, no se dio por vencido.

Even though the situation was difficult, he didn't give up (didn't declare himself beaten).

Agreement is Key

As an adjective, 'vencido' must change its ending to match the person or thing it describes: 'vencida' (f.), 'vencidos' (m. plural), 'vencidas' (f. plural).

Choosing Between 'Derrotado' and 'Vencido'

Learners often confuse 'derrotado' and 'vencido' because both mean defeated. Remember that 'derrotado' typically focuses on the external outcome of a contest or battle, while 'vencido' can describe the internal feeling of being overcome or exhausted by the loss.

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