Inklingo

How to Say "grounded" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “grounded” is “basado” — use 'basado' when 'grounded' refers to something being founded on or supported by evidence, facts, or a solid foundation..

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basado

bah-SAH-doh/baˈsaðo/

AdjectiveB1General
Use 'basado' when 'grounded' refers to something being founded on or supported by evidence, facts, or a solid foundation.
A tiny, simple red house sitting securely on a massive, solid grey stone block foundation.

Examples

Esta teoría está basada en estudios científicos recientes.

This theory is based on recent scientific studies.

La película está basada en una historia real, no es ficción.

The movie is based on a real story; it's not fiction.

Mi plan de negocios está basado en la demanda del mercado.

My business plan is grounded in market demand.

Adjective Agreement

Like all Spanish adjectives, 'basado' must match the thing it describes in both gender (masculine/feminine) and number (singular/plural): basado, basada, basados, basadas.

The 'On' Preposition

When saying something is 'based on' something else, always use the preposition en (on/in), never sobre.

Using the Wrong Preposition

Mistake: “El informe está basado sobre datos.”

Correction: El informe está basado en datos. (Always use *en* after *basado* to introduce the source.)

castigado

kas-ti-GÁ-do/kastiˈɣaðo/

AdjectiveA2Informal
Use 'castigado' when 'grounded' means a child or teenager is being confined to home as a form of punishment.
A young child sitting alone on the floor next to a closed window, looking sad and dejected, symbolizing being grounded.

Examples

Mi hijo está castigado porque no hizo su tarea.

My son is grounded because he didn't do his homework.

La profesora dejó a los estudiantes castigados después de clase.

The teacher kept the students in detention after class.

Adjective Agreement

As an adjective, 'castigado' must match the gender and number of the person being described: 'castigada' (f. singular), 'castigados' (m. plural), 'castigadas' (f. plural).

Using 'Ser' instead of 'Estar'

Mistake: “El niño es castigado.”

Correction: El niño está castigado. (Use 'estar' because this describes a temporary state or condition, not a permanent characteristic.)

Confusing Fact-Based vs. Punishment

The most common mistake is using 'basado' when referring to a child being punished. Remember, 'basado' means 'based on facts', while 'castigado' is for when someone is confined as a punishment.

Related Translations

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