What is the difference between "ofendido", "lastimado", "sentido" in Spanish?

The English word 'offended' can be translated into Spanish in several ways, depending on the nuance of the hurt or insult. Understanding these differences will help you express yourself more precisely.

How to Say "offended" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “offended” is “ofendido” — use this when someone feels personally insulted, slighted, or disrespected, often due to words or actions directed at them..

ofendido🔊B1

Use this when someone feels personally insulted, slighted, or disrespected, often due to words or actions directed at them.

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lastimado🔊A2

This term refers to emotional hurt or pain, like feeling sad or upset, but it's less common for direct offense than 'ofendido'. It can also mean physically injured.

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sentido🔊B1

Use this when referring to a deep emotional response, often to something said or experienced that evokes strong feelings, like sadness or empathy, rather than a direct insult.

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English → Spanish

ofendido

oh-fehn-DEE-doh/ofenˈdido/

adjectiveB1general

Use this when someone feels personally insulted, slighted, or disrespected, often due to words or actions directed at them.

A small bird with crossed wings and a grumpy expression, looking away from a crumb.

Examples

Se sintió ofendido por el comentario sarcástico.

He felt offended by the sarcastic comment.

Él se siente ofendido porque no lo invitaste a la fiesta.

He feels offended because you didn't invite him to the party.

No te pongas ofendida, solo era una broma.

Don't get offended (female), it was just a joke.

Habló con un tono de voz ofendido.

He spoke with an offended tone of voice.

Matching the Person

This word changes its ending based on who you are talking about. Use 'ofendido' for a man and 'ofendida' for a woman.

Being vs. Feeling

We usually use this word with 'estar' (to be in a state) or 'sentirse' (to feel) because it describes a temporary emotion, not a permanent personality trait.

Watch the 'a'

Mistake: “ofendido con el comentario”

Correction: ofendido por el comentario

See full entry for “ofendido” →

lastimado

/las-tee-MAH-doh//lastiˈmaðo/

adjectiveA2general

This term refers to emotional hurt or pain, like feeling sad or upset, but it's less common for direct offense than 'ofendido'. It can also mean physically injured.

A small child sitting on the ground, looking sad, with a bright red scrape on their knee covered by a colorful bandage.

Examples

Está lastimado porque no lo saludaste.

He is hurt (emotionally) because you didn't greet him.

Mi perro está lastimado de la pata después de correr mucho.

My dog's paw is hurt after running a lot.

Ella se sintió muy lastimada por sus comentarios groseros.

She felt very hurt by his rude comments.

Hay que tener cuidado con las rodillas lastimadas.

You have to be careful with injured knees.

Adjective Agreement

As an adjective, 'lastimado' must change its ending to match the gender and number of the noun it describes: 'lastimada' (feminine singular), 'lastimados' (masculine plural), 'lastimadas' (feminine plural).

Using 'Ser' vs. 'Estar'

Mistake: “Soy lastimado.”

Correction: Estoy lastimado. Use 'estar' (to be in a state) because being hurt is usually a temporary state or condition.

See full entry for “lastimado” →

sentido

/sen-TEE-doh//senˈti.ðo/

adjective / past participleB1general

Use this when referring to a deep emotional response, often to something said or experienced that evokes strong feelings, like sadness or empathy, rather than a direct insult.

A person holding a letter close to their chest, where a glowing, symbolic heart is visible, representing deep, heartfelt emotion.

Examples

Sus palabras fueron muy sentidas y nos conmovieron.

His words were very heartfelt and moved us.

Fue un discurso muy sentido y emocionante.

It was a very heartfelt and emotional speech.

Ella está muy sentida contigo porque no la llamaste.

She is very offended with you because you didn't call her.

Mis más sentidas condolencias.

My most heartfelt condolences.

A Word That Describes

'Sentido' is the past participle of the verb 'sentir' (to feel). This means it can be used like an adjective to describe a noun. Because it's an adjective, it must change to match the noun it describes: 'un discurso sentido' (a heartfelt speech) but 'una carta sentida' (a heartfelt letter).

Forgetting to Change the Ending

Mistake: “Mi amiga está muy sentido.”

Correction: Mi amiga está muy sentida. Because 'amiga' is feminine, the adjective 'sentida' must also be feminine.

See full entry for “sentido” →

Ofendido vs. Lastimado

Learners often confuse 'ofendido' and 'lastimado'. Remember that 'ofendido' specifically implies feeling insulted or disrespected. 'Lastimado' is broader and can mean physically injured or emotionally hurt/sad, but not necessarily offended.

Related Translations

resentful→aggrieved→awareness→consciousness→direction→heartfelt→hurt→injured→

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