How to Say "fugitive" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “fugitive” is “fugitivo” — use 'fugitivo' when referring to the person who is actively running away from legal authorities.
fugitivo
foo-hee-TEE-bohfu.xi.ˈti.βo
Examples
La policía capturó al fugitivo después de tres días.
The police captured the fugitive after three days.
El fugitivo de la justicia cruzó la frontera anoche.
The fugitive from justice crossed the border last night.
Lleva una vida fugitiva desde que escapó de la cárcel.
He has been living a life on the run since he escaped from jail.
Gender and Endings
While 'fugitivo' refers to a male, you can easily talk about a female fugitive by changing the 'o' to an 'a': 'la fugitiva'.
Adjective Agreement
The word must match the person or thing it describes. If you are talking about multiple people, add an 's': 'los niños fugitivos' (the runaway children).
Fugitivo vs. Refugiado
Mistake: “Using 'fugitivo' to describe someone fleeing a war for safety.”
Correction: Use 'refugiado' (refugee) for humanitarian situations; 'fugitivo' usually implies fleeing from a crime or the law.
fugitivo
foo-hee-TEE-bohfu.xi.ˈti.βo
Examples
Lleva una vida fugitiva desde que escapó de la cárcel.
He has been living a life on the run since he escaped from jail.
La policía capturó al fugitivo después de tres días.
The police captured the fugitive after three days.
El fugitivo de la justicia cruzó la frontera anoche.
The fugitive from justice crossed the border last night.
Gender and Endings
While 'fugitivo' refers to a male, you can easily talk about a female fugitive by changing the 'o' to an 'a': 'la fugitiva'.
Adjective Agreement
The word must match the person or thing it describes. If you are talking about multiple people, add an 's': 'los niños fugitivos' (the runaway children).
Fugitivo vs. Refugiado
Mistake: “Using 'fugitivo' to describe someone fleeing a war for safety.”
Correction: Use 'refugiado' (refugee) for humanitarian situations; 'fugitivo' usually implies fleeing from a crime or the law.
huido
wee-dohˈwi.ðo
Examples
El preso huido fue visto cerca del río.
The escaped prisoner was seen near the river.
Describing People
When using this as a description, remember it describes a male. If describing a female, it changes to 'huida'.
perseguido
pair-say-GEE-doepeɾseˈɣiðo
Examples
Los perseguidos políticos cruzaron la frontera.
The political victims of persecution crossed the border.
La organización ayuda a los perseguidos en todo el mundo.
The organization helps persecuted people throughout the world.
El perseguido no tiene donde dormir.
The fugitive has nowhere to sleep.
Turning a Description into a Person
By adding 'el' or 'la' in front of 'perseguido', you turn the description into a person (the one who is persecuted).
Missing the Gender
Mistake: “La perseguido.”
Correction: Use 'La perseguida' for a female and 'El perseguido' for a male.
Fugitivo vs. Huido
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