Inklingo

How to Say "injured" in Spanish

English → Spanish

herido

eh-REE-doheˈri.ðo

adjectiveA2general
Use 'herido' for a person or animal that has sustained a physical wound or injury, which may or may not be severe.
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-dohlastiˈmaðo

adjectiveA2general
Use 'lastimado' when referring to physical damage or hurt, often to a part of the body, particularly in animals or children.
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.

jodido

ho-DEE-dohxoˈðiðo

adjectiveB1informal
Use 'jodido' to describe something or someone that is severely damaged, broken, or in a bad state, including inanimate objects.
A colorful storybook illustration of a ceramic mug broken into several large pieces on a wooden floor.

Examples

Mi ordenador está jodido; no enciende.

My computer is broken; it won't turn on.

Si no entregamos el proyecto hoy, estamos jodidos.

If we don't hand in the project today, we're screwed.

Tengo la espalda un poco jodida de cargar cajas.

My back is a bit messed up from carrying boxes.

Using with 'Estar'

When you use this word with 'estar,' you are describing a temporary state or a result, like something being currently broken or someone being currently in trouble.

Gender and Number

Since this is an adjective here, it must change to 'jodida' for feminine nouns and add an 's' for plurals (jodidos/jodidas).

Formal Situations

Mistake: “Using 'jodido' in a job interview.”

Correction: Use 'estropeado' or 'en una situación difícil' instead, as 'jodido' is considered a curse word in many regions.

Herido vs. Jodido for Damage

Learners often misuse 'jodido' when they mean 'herido' or 'lastimado'. Remember that 'jodido' is more informal and implies a more severe, broken state, often used for objects, while 'herido' and 'lastimado' typically refer to physical wounds or pain in living beings.

Related Translations

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