How to Say "runaway" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “runaway” is “escapado” — use this word to describe an animal or, more generally, anything that has gotten away or escaped from its enclosure or control.
escapado
es-kah-PAH-doheskaˈpaðo
Examples
El perro escapado regresó a casa después de dos días.
The escaped dog returned home after two days.
Atraparon al prisionero escapado cerca de la frontera.
They caught the runaway prisoner near the border.
Tenemos que encontrar la tortuga escapada.
We have to find the escaped turtle.
Agreement is Key
Since 'escapado' is an adjective here, it must always match the gender and number of the person or thing it describes: 'escapada' (f, singular), 'escapados' (m, plural), 'escapadas' (f, plural).
Forgetting the 'Ser' or 'Estar'
Mistake: “El prisionero escapado.”
Correction: El prisionero está escapado (The prisoner is currently escaped) or El prisionero fue atrapado (The escaped prisoner was caught). You usually need a verb like 'to be' (ser/estar) when using it as a description.
fugitivo
foo-hee-TEE-bohfu.xi.ˈti.βo
Examples
La policía capturó al fugitivo después de tres días.
The police captured the fugitive after three days.
El fugitivo de la justicia cruzó la frontera anoche.
The fugitive from justice crossed the border last night.
Gender and Endings
While 'fugitivo' refers to a male, you can easily talk about a female fugitive by changing the 'o' to an 'a': 'la fugitiva'.
Fugitivo vs. Refugiado
Mistake: “Using 'fugitivo' to describe someone fleeing a war for safety.”
Correction: Use 'refugiado' (refugee) for humanitarian situations; 'fugitivo' usually implies fleeing from a crime or the law.
desertor
deh-sehr-TOHRdeserˈtoɾ
Examples
El desertor dejó su uniforme cerca de la frontera.
The deserter left his uniform near the border.
Se convirtió en un desertor de su propio partido político.
He became a defector from his own political party.
Muchos ejércitos castigaban severamente a cualquier desertor.
Many armies used to severely punish any deserter.
El soldado desertor fue visto en el pueblo vecino.
The deserting soldier was seen in the neighboring town.
The '-or' ending
Just like in English ('actor', 'director'), words ending in '-or' in Spanish usually describe a person who performs a specific action.
Using 'ser' with desertor
Since being a 'desertor' is considered a label or a status, you should use the verb 'ser' (to be) rather than 'estar'.
Adjective Placement
When used as an adjective, 'desertor' usually follows the noun it describes (e.g., 'un socio desertor').
Don't confuse with 'postre'
Mistake: “Using 'desertor' to mean someone who likes dessert.”
Correction: In English, 'desert' (sand) and 'dessert' (sweet) are similar. In Spanish, 'desertor' only relates to 'desertar' (leaving/abandoning).
Person vs. Animal
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