How to Say "intact" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “intact” is “intacto” — use 'intacto' when referring to a physical object that has not been damaged, broken, or altered, remaining in its original state.
intacto
een-TAHK-tohinˈtakto
Examples
La obra de arte permaneció intacta después del terremoto.
The artwork remained intact after the earthquake.
La caja llegó intacta a su destino.
The box arrived intact at its destination.
A pesar del incendio, los cuadros quedaron intactos.
Despite the fire, the paintings remained untouched.
El conductor salió intacto del accidente.
The driver came out of the accident unharmed.
Matching the Noun
This word must change its ending to match the gender and number of the object you are describing: 'el libro intacto' (masculine) but 'la caja intacta' (feminine).
Use with 'Quedar'
In Spanish, we often use 'quedar' (to remain) with 'intacto' to describe the final state of something after an event, like 'El edificio quedó intacto' (The building remained standing/untouched).
Using it for 'Brand New'
Mistake: “Compré un carro intacto.”
Correction: Compré un carro nuevo. Use 'nuevo' for things you just bought, and 'intacto' for things that survived a danger or haven't been touched.
sano
SAH-nohˈsa.no
Examples
Su reputación quedó sana a pesar de los rumores.
His reputation remained sound despite the rumors.
Tiene un criterio sano para tomar decisiones importantes.
He has sound judgment for making important decisions.
El jarrón se cayó, pero milagrosamente quedó sano.
The vase fell, but miraculously it remained intact.
Figurative Use
When 'sano' refers to objects or ideas, it means they are complete, undamaged, or not corrupted, much like 'sound' in English (e.g., 'sound logic').
Physical vs. Abstract Condition
Related Translations
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