Inklingo

How to Say "hostage" in Spanish

English → Spanish

rehén

nounB2general
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.

Examples

Los terroristas liberaron a los rehenes después de recibir lo que pedían.

The terrorists released the hostages after receiving what they demanded.

secuestrado

seh-kwehs-TRAH-doh/se.kwesˈtɾa.ðo/

nounB2general
Use 'secuestrado' to specifically describe the victim of an illegal kidnapping, emphasizing the act of being taken against one's will through abduction.
A simplified cartoon figure looking worried stands passively, surrounded by thick, stylized ropes that restrict movement.

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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