Inklingo

How to Say "hurt" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “hurt” is “herido” — use 'herido' for a general state of being wounded or injured, often implying a physical wound but can also be used metaphorically for emotional pain.

English → Spanish

herido

eh-REE-doheˈri.ðo

adjectiveA2general
Use 'herido' for a general state of being wounded or injured, often implying a physical wound but can also be used metaphorically for emotional pain.
A cartoon child's arm with a colorful blue and white polka dot bandage wrapped around a visible cut.

Examples

El soldado estaba herido en la pierna.

The soldier was wounded in the leg.

El corredor estaba herido después de la caída, pero siguió corriendo.

The runner was wounded after the fall, but he kept running.

Encontraron la caja fuerte herida con marcas de intento de robo.

They found the safe damaged with marks of an attempted robbery.

Changing the Ending

Like many Spanish adjectives, 'herido' must match the person or thing it describes: 'herido' (masculine singular), 'herida' (feminine singular), 'heridos' (masculine plural), 'heridas' (feminine plural).

Using the Wrong Verb for State

Mistake: “Soy herido (I am wounded).”

Correction: Estoy herido. We use 'estar' (to be in a temporary state) with 'herido' because it describes the current condition of the person.

lastimado

las-tee-MAH-dohlastiˈmaðo

adjectiveA2general
Choose 'lastimado' when referring to a specific physical injury, like a bruise or scrape, or when someone feels emotionally hurt or offended by an action.
A small child sitting on the ground, looking sad, with a bright red scrape on their knee covered by a colorful bandage.

Examples

Me lastimé el codo al caerme de la bicicleta.

I hurt my elbow when I fell off my bike.

Mi perro está lastimado de la pata después de correr mucho.

My dog's paw is hurt after running a lot.

Ella se sintió muy lastimada por sus comentarios groseros.

She felt very hurt by his rude comments.

Hay que tener cuidado con las rodillas lastimadas.

You have to be careful with injured knees.

Adjective Agreement

As an adjective, 'lastimado' must change its ending to match the gender and number of the noun it describes: 'lastimada' (feminine singular), 'lastimados' (masculine plural), 'lastimadas' (feminine plural).

Using 'Ser' vs. 'Estar'

Mistake: “Soy lastimado.”

Correction: Estoy lastimado. Use 'estar' (to be in a state) because being hurt is usually a temporary state or condition.

dolido

doh-LEE-dohdoˈliðo

adjectiveB1general
Use 'dolido' specifically for emotional pain or when someone feels offended or upset due to something said or done.
A small child sitting on a wooden bench looking downcast with a single tear on their cheek.

Examples

Ella se sintió dolida por tus comentarios.

She felt hurt by your comments.

Juan está dolido porque no lo invitaste a tu fiesta.

Juan is hurt because you didn't invite him to your party.

Me siento muy dolida por las palabras que me dijiste ayer.

I feel very hurt by the words you said to me yesterday.

A pesar de que pasó mucho tiempo, él sigue dolido por la traición.

Even though a long time passed, he is still resentful about the betrayal.

Matching the Person

Since this is an adjective (a describing word), it must match the gender of the person you are talking about. Use 'dolido' for men and 'dolida' for women.

Using 'Estar' or 'Sentirse'

To say someone IS hurt, always use 'estar' (temporary state) rather than 'ser.' You can also use 'sentirse' to say someone FEELS hurt.

Emotional vs. Physical Pain

Mistake: “Estoy dolido de la espalda.”

Correction: Tengo dolor de espalda / Me duele la espalda. Use 'dolido' for feelings and 'dolorido' or the verb 'doler' for physical body aches.

Forgetting the 'A' for Women

Mistake: “Ella está muy dolido.”

Correction: Ella está muy dolida. Always change the ending to -a when describing a female.

dañado

adjectiveA2general
Employ 'dañado' when something abstract or non-living is damaged, impaired, or malfunctioning.

Examples

El sistema informático está dañado.

The computer system is damaged.

Physical vs. Emotional Hurt

The most common confusion is between 'herido,' 'lastimado,' and 'dolido.' While 'herido' and 'lastimado' can both refer to physical pain, 'dolido' is almost exclusively for emotional hurt or feeling offended. Use 'herido' for more general wounds and 'lastimado' for specific injuries or when feeling personally hurt.

Related Translations

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