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How to Say "outcast" in Spanish

English → Spanish

abandonado

ah-bahn-doh-NAH-doh/aβan̪doˈnaðo/

NounC1General
Use 'abandonado' when the outcast has been left behind or deserted by their community, emphasizing a sense of being forsaken.
A small child sitting alone on a wooden bench under a large tree, looking sad and physically separated from a distant group of playing children.

Examples

La sociedad trata a los sin techo como abandonados.

Society treats the homeless as outcasts.

Adjective as Noun

Like many Spanish adjectives, 'abandonado' can be used as a noun by placing an article (like 'el' or 'un') in front of it, meaning 'the abandoned one' or 'an abandoned person'.

rechazado

reh-chah-ZAH-doh/retʃaˈθaðo/

NounC1General
Choose 'rechazado' when the outcast is actively shunned or denied acceptance by social groups, focusing on the act of rejection.
A single, slightly bruised red apple sitting alone on the ground, clearly separated from a nearby basket overflowing with perfect, shiny apples.

Examples

La novela narra la vida de un rechazado social.

The novel recounts the life of a social outcast.

Los rechazados del grupo formaron su propio club.

The rejects of the group formed their own club.

Adjective as Noun

In Spanish, the adjective form ('rechazado') can often be used directly as a noun by placing an article (like 'el' or 'un') in front of it, referring to the person or thing itself.

Abandonado vs. Rechazado

Learners often confuse 'abandonado' and 'rechazado' because both imply being outside the group. Remember that 'abandonado' focuses on the state of being left behind, while 'rechazado' highlights the active process of being pushed away.

Related Translations

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