Inklingo

How to Say "loser" in Spanish

English → Spanish

perdedor

pehr-deh-DOR/peɾðeˈðoɾ/

nounA2general
Use this word for someone who has lost a competition, game, or contest, focusing on the act of being defeated.
A sad cartoon character sitting alone on a bench with their head down, signifying defeat, while a brightly colored winner's ribbon lies discarded nearby.

Examples

El perdedor de la carrera felicitó al ganador con un apretón de manos.

The loser of the race congratulated the winner with a handshake.

En el juego, el perdedor tiene que lavar los platos.

In the game, the person who loses has to wash the dishes.

Después de la votación, los perdedores aceptaron los resultados.

After the vote, the defeated ones accepted the results.

Gender Change

This word changes form depending on the gender of the person: use 'perdedor' for a man and 'perdedora' for a woman.

Using the Feminine Form

Mistake: “La perdedor fue Juan.”

Correction: El perdedor fue Juan. (The word must match the gender of the person, even if the person's name is mentioned later.)

fracasado

/fra-ca-sá-do//fɾakaˈsaðo/

nounB2derogatory
This term describes someone who has failed in a broader sense, often implying a lack of success in life or a significant endeavor, and can be quite insulting.
A solitary, simple cartoon figure sitting dejectedly on a wooden stool, looking sad, with a single deflated red balloon resting on the floor nearby.

Examples

No quiero que pienses que soy un fracasado solo por este error.

I don't want you to think I'm a failure just because of this mistake.

Ella teme convertirse en una fracasada si no consigue ese trabajo.

She fears becoming a failure if she doesn't get that job.

Gender Mismatch

Mistake: “Using 'un fracasado' to refer to a woman.”

Correction: When using this word as a noun for a woman, you must use the feminine form: 'una fracasada'. This is the same structure as other nouns describing professions or people.

quemado

/keh-MAH-doh//keˈmaðo/

nounC1informal
Use this informal and colloquial term for someone who is seen as unsuccessful, down-on-their-luck, or who has missed an opportunity, often with a dismissive tone.
A cartoon figure looking bewildered and holding an empty, open leather wallet upside down, symbolizing being tricked or losing money.

Examples

Lo invitaron a la fiesta y no fue; ¡qué quemado!

They invited him to the party and he didn't go; what a loser!

Me vendieron un coche dañado, fui un quemado.

They sold me a damaged car, I was a sucker.

Used as an Insult

This meaning is almost always used as a negative label or mild insult, similar to calling someone 'a failure' or 'a disappointment'.

Perdedor vs. Fracasado

Learners often confuse 'perdedor' and 'fracasado'. Remember that 'perdedor' specifically refers to losing a contest, while 'fracasado' implies a more general and often harsher judgment of personal failure.

Related Translations

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