Inklingo

How to Say "disabled" in Spanish

English → Spanish

discapacitado

/dees-kah-pah-see-tah-doh//dis.ka.pa.si.ˈta.ðo/

adjectiveB1general
Use 'discapacitado' to refer generally to a person with physical or mental impairments, focusing on their condition rather than the cause.
A colorful illustration of a person using a bright blue wheelchair, moving forward with a smile.

Examples

Mi abuelo es discapacitado y usa una silla de ruedas.

My grandfather is disabled and uses a wheelchair.

El hotel tiene tres habitaciones adaptadas para personas discapacitadas.

The hotel has three rooms adapted for disabled people.

Es necesario crear más empleos para trabajadores discapacitados.

It is necessary to create more jobs for disabled workers.

Matching the Ending

Since this is an adjective, you must change the 'o' to 'a' if you are talking about a woman or a feminine object: 'una mujer discapacitada'.

Plural Forms

To talk about a group, just add 's': 'personas discapacitadas' or 'hombres discapacitados'.

Using it for 'Turned Off'

Mistake: “La opción de audio está discapacitada.”

Correction: La opción de audio está desactivada.

inválido

adjectiveB1general
Use 'inválido' when referring to someone who has become physically unable to function normally, especially as a result of an accident or illness.

Examples

Quedó inválido después del accidente de coche.

He was left disabled after the car accident.

Choosing Between 'Discapacitado' and 'Inválido'

Learners often confuse 'discapacitado' and 'inválido'. 'Discapacitado' is the broader, more common term for any impairment. Reserve 'inválido' for situations where the disability is a direct consequence of a specific event, implying a loss of function.

Related Translations

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