Inklingo

How to Say "handicapped" in Spanish

English → Spanish

discapacitado

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

adjectiveB1
Use this term when referring to someone with a disability, as it is a more modern and sensitive choice than older alternatives.
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

adjectiveB1traditional
This is a more traditional and older term for someone who is disabled, often implying a loss of function or inability to perform certain actions.

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'. While both mean 'disabled', 'discapacitado' is the preferred, more modern, and sensitive term. 'Inválido' is an older, more traditional term that can sometimes carry a more negative connotation.

Related Translations

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