Inklingo

How to Say "prisoner" in Spanish

English → Spanish

preso

PREH-soh/ˈpɾe.so/

nounB1general
Use 'preso' for a general term for a person who is being held captive, often in a prison, with no specific emphasis on the legal process or temporary nature.
A simplified drawing of a person wearing a striped uniform standing behind thick vertical prison bars.

Examples

El preso pidió ver a su abogado inmediatamente.

The prisoner asked to see his lawyer immediately.

Todos los presos tienen derecho a recibir visitas.

All the inmates have the right to receive visits.

Gender Matching

Since 'preso' is a noun, it refers to a man. To talk about a female prisoner, you must use the feminine form: 'la presa'.

prisionero

pree-syoh-NEH-roh/pɾisjoˈneɾo/

nounB1legal/formal
Choose 'prisionero' when referring to someone who is legally confined, emphasizing their status as an inmate within a correctional facility.
A simplified illustration of a person wearing plain clothes, looking out through the thick vertical metal bars of a jail cell.

Examples

El prisionero intentó escapar de la celda durante la noche.

The prisoner tried to escape from the cell during the night.

Hubo un intercambio de prisioneros de guerra entre los dos países.

There was an exchange of prisoners of war between the two countries.

El ladrón es ahora prisionero de la justicia.

The thief is now a prisoner of justice.

Gender Change

Remember that 'prisionero' is masculine. If you are talking about a woman, you must change it to 'prisionera'.

Confusing Noun and Location

Mistake: “Using 'prisión' when you mean 'prisionero'.”

Correction: A 'prisión' is the place (prison/jail), and a 'prisionero' is the person. They are not interchangeable.

detenido

/deh-teh-NEE-doh//de.teˈni.ðo/

nounB1legal/police
Use 'detenido' for someone who has been apprehended by authorities and is being held temporarily, often for questioning, before formal charges are filed.
A young man standing still, accompanied by a figure in a uniform, illustrating a detainee.

Examples

El detenido pidió hablar con su abogado antes de declarar.

The detainee asked to speak with his lawyer before making a statement.

La policía identificó al detenido como un sospechoso habitual.

The police identified the arrested person as a usual suspect.

Gender Matching

As a noun, it must match the person's gender: 'el detenido' (male) or 'la detenida' (female).

Preso vs. Prisionero vs. Detenido

Learners often confuse 'preso' and 'prisionero'. While both mean 'prisoner', 'preso' is more general, while 'prisionero' often implies a more formal, legal confinement. 'Detenido' is distinct, referring specifically to someone temporarily held by police.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.