How to Say "exile" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “exile” is “exiliado” — use 'exiliado' when referring to the person who has been forced to leave their home country, often for political reasons..
exiliado
/ek-see-lyah-doh//eksiˈljaðo/
Examples
El exiliado vivía en París y escribía sobre su país.
The exile lived in Paris and wrote about his country.
Muchos exiliados regresaron cuando cambió el gobierno.
Many exiles returned when the government changed.
Ser un exiliado es una experiencia solitaria.
Being an exile is a lonely experience.
People and Gender
This word refers to a male person. If you are talking about a female, change the 'o' to 'a' (exiliada).
From Verb to Noun
This word actually comes from a verb, but here it acts as a name for a person who has undergone the action of being sent away.
Confusing with 'refugiado'
Mistake: “El exiliado de la guerra busca comida.”
Correction: El refugiado de la guerra busca comida. Use 'exiliado' specifically for someone forced out for political/legal reasons, often people with specific influence.
exilio
/ek-SEE-lyoh//eɡˈsiljo/
Examples
El poeta vivió muchos años en el exilio.
The poet lived in exile for many years.
Muchos científicos partieron al exilio durante la guerra civil.
Many scientists went into exile during the civil war.
El exilio forzado es una de las experiencias más duras para un ser humano.
Forced exile is one of the hardest experiences for a human being.
Always Masculine
The word is always masculine. You should use 'el exilio' or 'un exilio,' never 'la' or 'una'.
Use with 'en'
To say someone is currently 'in' exile, you almost always use the phrase 'en el exilio'.
Exilio vs. Éxito
Mistake: “Using 'exilio' when you mean 'success'.”
Correction: Use 'éxito' for 'success'. These are false friends that sound slightly similar but have totally different meanings.
Noun vs. Person
Mistake: “Él es un exilio.”
Correction: Say 'Él está en el exilio' (the state) or 'Él es un exiliado' (the person). You cannot call a person an 'exile' using the noun 'exilio' in Spanish.
refugiado
/re-foo-hee-AH-doh//refuˈxjaðo/
Examples
El refugiado solicitó asilo político al llegar a la frontera.
The refugee requested political asylum upon arriving at the border.
Muchos refugiados sueñan con volver a sus hogares algún día.
Many refugees dream of returning to their homes one day.
El centro de acogida ayuda a cada refugiado con comida y ropa.
The reception center helps every refugee with food and clothing.
Masculine vs. Feminine
Use 'refugiado' for a man or a group of people. If you are specifically talking about a woman, change it to 'refugiada'.
Using the 'the'
When talking about refugees as a general group in Spanish, we usually include 'los' (the), as in 'Los refugiados necesitan ayuda' (Refugees need help).
Refugee vs. Sheltered
Mistake: “Using 'un refugiado' to mean a guest in your house.”
Correction: Use 'un invitado' or 'huesped' for guests. 'Refugiado' is specifically for someone fleeing danger.
Person vs. State of Exile
Related Translations
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