Inklingo

How to Say "injured" in Spanish

English → Spanish

herido

eh-REE-doh/eˈri.ðo/

adjectiveA2general
Use 'herido' when referring to someone or something that has been physically harmed, especially in a way that might require attention or recovery, but not necessarily implying severe damage.
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 injured 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' to describe a specific part of the body or an animal that has sustained minor physical damage or soreness, often from exertion or a small mishap.
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.

Herido vs. Lastimado

Learners often use 'herido' and 'lastimado' interchangeably without realizing 'lastimado' frequently refers to a specific body part or animal being sore or slightly damaged. While 'herido' can also apply to body parts, it's more general for any kind of injury, including more significant ones.

Related Translations

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