How to Say "safe" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “safe” is “seguro” — use 'seguro' when referring to a place, object, or situation that is free from danger or risk, implying a general sense of security.
seguro
seh-GOO-rohseˈɣu.ɾo
Examples
Este barrio es muy seguro por la noche.
This neighborhood is very safe at night.
Guarda tus documentos en un lugar seguro.
Keep your documents in a secure place.
Necesitamos una escalera más segura que esta.
We need a more stable ladder than this one.
Use 'Ser' for Inherent Safety
To describe something that has the quality of being safe (like a city or a car), use the verb 'ser'. For example, 'El coche es seguro' (The car is safe).
salvo
sal-bohˈsal.bo
Examples
A pesar del accidente, el conductor está salvo.
Despite the accident, the driver is safe.
Los excursionistas fueron encontrados sanos y salvos.
The hikers were found safe and sound.
La gata y sus gatitos están a salvo en el refugio.
The cat and her kittens are safe in the shelter.
Matching the Noun
As an adjective, 'salvo' must change to match the person or thing it describes. Use 'salvo' for one masculine thing, 'salva' for one feminine thing, 'salvos' for multiple masculine things, and 'salvas' for multiple feminine things.
salvado
sal-VAH-dohsalˈβa.ðo
Examples
El excursionista perdido fue salvado justo a tiempo.
The lost hiker was saved just in time.
La contraseña está salvada en mi navegador.
The password is saved in my browser.
Las familias estaban salvadas después del huracán.
The families were safe after the hurricane.
Gender and Number Agreement
As an adjective, 'salvado' must match the thing it describes. If you talk about 'la casa' (feminine), you must say 'salvada'. If you talk about 'los documentos' (masculine plural), say 'salvados'.
Forgetting Agreement
Mistake: “La niña fue salvado. (Incorrect agreement)”
Correction: La niña fue salvada. (The adjective must end in -a to match the feminine noun 'niña'.)
inofensivo
ee-no-fen-SEE-boinofenˈsiβo
Examples
No tengas miedo, el perro es pequeño e inofensivo.
Don't be afraid, the dog is small and harmless.
Fue solo una broma inofensiva, no quería molestarte.
It was just a harmless joke, I didn't want to upset you.
Muchos creen que este químico es inofensivo para el medio ambiente.
Many believe this chemical is harmless to the environment.
Changing for gender
Remember to change the last letter to 'a' (inofensiva) when describing something feminine, like 'una mentira' (a lie).
Word order
In Spanish, this word usually goes after the thing you are describing: say 'un juego inofensivo' rather than 'an inofensivo juego'.
Spelling Trap
Mistake: “inoffensivo”
Correction: inofensivo (only one 'f' in Spanish!)
Agreement Error
Mistake: “Las serpientes son inofensivo.”
Correction: Las serpientes son inofensivas. (The word must match the plural and feminine subject 'serpientes').
Seguro vs. Salvo/Salvado
Learn Spanish with Inklingo
Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.