How to Say "detained" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “detained” is “detenido” — use 'detenido' when referring to something that has been stopped or held back, often as part of a perfect tense with 'haber'..
detenido
/deh-teh-NEE-doh//de.teˈni.ðo/
Examples
El tráfico ha sido detenido debido a un accidente.
Traffic has been detained due to an accident.
El director ha detenido la producción por problemas técnicos.
The director has stopped production due to technical problems.
Nunca antes habíamos detenido un proyecto tan avanzado.
We had never before halted such an advanced project.
Forming Perfect Tenses
This form ('detenido') is used with the verb 'haber' (to have) to create perfect tenses, which describe actions completed in the past: 'He detenido' (I have stopped).
Invariable Rule
When used with 'haber' to form compound tenses, 'detenido' never changes its ending; it always stays '-o', regardless of the gender or number of the person or thing doing the action.
detuvo
/deh-TOO-voh//deˈtuβo/
Examples
La policía detuvo al ladrón en la calle.
The police detained the thief in the street.
La policía detuvo al sospechoso inmediatamente después del robo.
The police detained the suspect immediately after the robbery.
El oficial lo detuvo para interrogarlo.
The officer arrested him for questioning.
Formal Context
In this meaning, 'detuvo' often implies an official or legal action, usually carried out by law enforcement or border patrol.
Verb vs. Past Participle Usage
Related Translations
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