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How to Say "inmate" in Spanish

English → Spanish

preso

PREH-soh/ˈpɾe.so/

nounB1
Use 'preso' for the most common, general term for someone who is in jail or prison.
A simplified drawing of a person wearing a striped uniform standing behind thick vertical prison bars.

Examples

El preso pidió ver a su abogado inmediatamente.

The prisoner asked to see his lawyer immediately.

Todos los presos tienen derecho a recibir visitas.

All the inmates have the right to receive visits.

Gender Matching

Since 'preso' is a noun, it refers to a man. To talk about a female prisoner, you must use the feminine form: 'la presa'.

prisionero

pree-syoh-NEH-roh/pɾisjoˈneɾo/

nounB1formal
Choose 'prisionero' for a more formal or literary term for someone held in prison, often emphasizing the state of being captured or confined.
A simplified illustration of a person wearing plain clothes, looking out through the thick vertical metal bars of a jail cell.

Examples

El prisionero intentó escapar de la celda durante la noche.

The prisoner tried to escape from the cell during the night.

Hubo un intercambio de prisioneros de guerra entre los dos países.

There was an exchange of prisoners of war between the two countries.

El ladrón es ahora prisionero de la justicia.

The thief is now a prisoner of justice.

Gender Change

Remember that 'prisionero' is masculine. If you are talking about a woman, you must change it to 'prisionera'.

Confusing Noun and Location

Mistake: “Using 'prisión' when you mean 'prisionero'.”

Correction: A 'prisión' is the place (prison/jail), and a 'prisionero' is the person. They are not interchangeable.

interno

een-TEHR-noh/inˈteɾno/

nounB1formal
Use 'interno' only when referring to a person confined within an institution, such as a hospital or, less commonly, a prison, or more often, a trainee (like a medical intern).
A young adult wearing light blue medical scrubs, holding a clipboard and standing next to a simple desk, suggesting an intern or trainee.

Examples

El interno de cirugía trabaja 60 horas a la semana.

The surgical intern (or resident) works 60 hours a week.

Todos los internos del colegio deben seguir las reglas estrictamente.

All the boarders at the school must follow the rules strictly.

Mañana le preguntaré al interno sobre mis resultados.

Tomorrow I will ask the resident about my results.

Using the Feminine Form

When referring to a female person who is an intern or resident, the word changes to 'la interna'.

Confusing 'Interno' with 'Becario'

Mistake: “Using 'interno' for a general office intern or trainee who doesn't live at the workplace.”

Correction: For standard office trainees or unpaid apprenticeships, 'becario' or 'pasante' is usually better. 'Interno' often implies living within the institution (like a hospital or boarding school).

Preso vs. Prisionero

Learners often wonder if 'preso' and 'prisionero' are interchangeable. While both mean 'prisoner,' 'preso' is more common in everyday speech, whereas 'prisionero' sounds more formal or can imply a stronger sense of confinement. Avoid using 'interno' for a general prisoner; it usually refers to a trainee or someone within a specific institution.

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