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How to Say "lame" in Spanish

English → Spanish

cojo

KOH-hoh/ˈko.xo/

AdjectiveB1General
Use 'cojo' when referring to a person or animal that has difficulty walking due to a physical injury or disability.
A young boy struggling to walk while leaning heavily on a wooden crutch.

Examples

El perro estaba cojo después de la caída.

The dog was limping after the fall.

Esta silla está coja; no te sientes en ella.

This chair is wobbly; don't sit on it.

Se levantó y se fue, aunque parecía un poco cojo.

He got up and left, even though he seemed a little lame.

Adjective Agreement

Like most Spanish adjectives, 'cojo' changes its ending to match the thing it describes: 'cojo' (masculine singular), 'coja' (feminine singular), 'cojos' (masculine plural), 'cojas' (feminine plural).

patético

AdjectiveB1Informal
Use 'patético' when describing something as poor quality, ridiculous, or pathetic, often in a way that elicits pity or scorn.

Examples

Su excusa para llegar tarde fue completamente patética.

His excuse for being late was completely pathetic (ridiculous).

Physical vs. Figurative 'Lame'

The most common mistake is using 'cojo' for figurative meanings. Remember, 'cojo' specifically refers to a physical inability to walk properly, while 'patético' describes something as being of poor quality or ridiculous.

Related Translations

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