How to Say "inmate" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “inmate” is “preso” — this is the most common and general term for someone who is in jail or prison, suitable for everyday conversation.
preso
PREH-sohˈpɾe.so
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'.
recluso
ray-KLOO-soreˈkluso
Examples
El recluso cumplió su condena de cinco años.
The inmate served his five-year sentence.
Cada recluso tiene derecho a una hora de ejercicio al aire libre.
Every prisoner is entitled to one hour of outdoor exercise.
Los guardias vigilan a los reclusos durante el almuerzo.
The guards watch the inmates during lunch.
Gender Endings
Use 'recluso' for a male inmate and change it to 'reclusa' if you are talking about a female inmate.
Nouns and Adjectives
This word works as a person (the inmate) but can also describe the state of being locked away.
Recluso vs. Detenido
Mistake: “Using 'recluso' for someone just arrested.”
Correction: Use 'detenido' for someone recently arrested; 'recluso' usually implies they are already living in the prison system.
prisionero
pree-syoh-NEH-rohpɾisjoˈneɾo
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-nohinˈteɾno
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. Recluso
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