Inklingo

How to Say "hurt" in Spanish

English → Spanish

herido

eh-REE-doh/eˈri.ðo/

adjectiveA2general
Use 'herido' when referring to a general physical wound or injury, especially after an accident or physical exertion.
A cartoon child's arm with a colorful blue and white polka dot bandage wrapped around a visible cut.

Examples

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-doh//lastiˈmaðo/

adjectiveA2general
Use 'lastimado' for a specific physical injury, often to a limb, or for emotional pain or distress.
A small child sitting on the ground, looking sad, with a bright red scrape on their knee covered by a colorful bandage.

Examples

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.

dañado

adjectiveA2general
Use 'dañado' for abstract or non-physical harm, like damage to an object or a reputation, rather than a living being.

Examples

El motor del coche está dañado.

The car's engine is damaged.

Physical vs. Abstract Harm

Learners often confuse 'herido'/'lastimado' with 'dañado'. Remember that 'herido' and 'lastimado' typically refer to pain or injury in living beings (people, animals), while 'dañado' is for damage to inanimate objects or abstract concepts.

Related Translations

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