Inklingo

How to Say "detainee" in Spanish

English → Spanish

detenido

/deh-teh-NEE-doh//de.teˈni.ðo/

NounB1General
Use 'detenido' when referring to a person who is being held by the authorities, regardless of the specific legal stage like arrest or conviction. This is the most common and versatile term.
A young man standing still, accompanied by a figure in a uniform, illustrating a detainee.

Examples

El detenido pidió hablar con su abogado antes de declarar.

The detainee asked to speak with his lawyer before making a statement.

La policía identificó al detenido como un sospechoso habitual.

The police identified the arrested person as a usual suspect.

Gender Matching

As a noun, it must match the person's gender: 'el detenido' (male) or 'la detenida' (female).

arrestado

/a-rres-TA-do//a.resˈta.ðo/

Adjective (used as noun)B1General
Use 'arrestado' when you want to specifically highlight that the person has undergone an official arrest procedure. It functions as a noun meaning 'the arrested person'.
A simple illustration of a man with his hands cuffed behind his back, indicating he is arrested.

Examples

El hombre arrestado fue trasladado a la comisaría.

The arrested man was transferred to the police station.

Los arrestados tienen derecho a una llamada telefónica.

The detainees have the right to one phone call.

Gender and Number Match

When used as an adjective, 'arrestado' must match the person or people it describes. For a woman, you must say 'arrestada'; for multiple women, 'arrestadas'.

Detenido vs. Arrestado

Learners often confuse 'detenido' and 'arrestado'. While both refer to someone in custody, 'detenido' is the broader term for 'detainee' in general. Use 'arrestado' only when you specifically want to emphasize the act of arrest has occurred.

Related Translations

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