Inklingo

How to Say "lacking" in Spanish

English → Spanish

corto

KOR-toh/ˈkoɾto/

adjectiveB1informal
Use 'corto' when referring to someone being shy, reserved, or lacking confidence in a social situation.
A small, timid child partially hiding behind a large, sturdy tree trunk, looking reservedly toward the viewer.

Examples

No seas corto, habla con ella.

Don't be shy/reserved, talk to her.

Parece que está un poco corto de memoria.

It seems he is a bit lacking in memory.

Mi abuela está un poco corta de oído.

My grandmother is a little hard of hearing (short of hearing).

Using 'Corto de'

When 'corto' describes a deficiency, it is often followed by 'de' (of) and the noun indicating what is lacking: 'corto de dinero' (short on money), 'corto de paciencia' (lacking patience).

privados

/pree-BAH-dohs//pɾiˈβaðos/

adjectiveB2formal
Use 'privados' when something necessary or a right has been taken away or is absent, often in a formal or legal context.
An empty birdcage with an open door and a bird flying away in the distance.

Examples

Fueron privados de sus derechos básicos.

They were deprived of their basic rights.

Los prisioneros están privados de libertad.

The prisoners are deprived of freedom (imprisoned).

Using 'de'

When this word means 'deprived,' it is almost always followed by the word 'de' to show what is missing.

Corto vs. Privados

Learners often confuse 'corto' and 'privados' by using 'corto' in formal contexts where 'privados' is appropriate. Remember that 'corto' usually implies a personal lack of confidence or shyness, while 'privados' refers to a more objective deprivation of rights or necessities.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.