How to Say "hostage" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “hostage” is “rehén” — use 'rehén' when referring to a person being held captive, especially in situations involving negotiations or demands, without necessarily specifying the initial act of abduction.
Use 'rehén' when referring to a person being held captive, especially in situations involving negotiations or demands, without necessarily specifying the initial act of abduction.
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Use 'secuestrado' to specifically describe the victim of an illegal kidnapping, emphasizing the act of being taken against one's will through abduction.
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Examples
Los terroristas liberaron a los rehenes después de recibir lo que pedían.
The terrorists released the hostages after receiving what they demanded.
seh-kwehs-TRAH-dohse.kwesˈtɾa.ðo
Examples
El cuerpo de seguridad rescató al secuestrado en una operación rápida.
The security forces rescued the kidnapped person in a swift operation.
El secuestrado fue encontrado sano y salvo por la policía.
The kidnapped person was found safe and sound by the police.
Negociaron la liberación de los secuestrados durante horas.
They negotiated the release of the hostages for hours.
Rehén vs. Secuestrado
Learners often confuse 'rehén' and 'secuestrado'. Remember that 'secuestrado' specifically refers to the victim of a kidnapping (the act of abduction), while 'rehén' is a broader term for anyone held captive, often used during negotiations.
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