Inklingo

How to Say "suspended" in Spanish

English → Spanish

colgado

kol-GAH-dohkolˈɡaðo

adjectiveB1general
Use 'colgado' when something is physically hanging or attached to something else, especially in a stationary position.
A ripe red apple hanging by its stem from a thin branch against a blue sky.

Examples

Dejó el cuadro colgado en la pared del salón.

He left the picture hanging on the living room wall.

Ten cuidado, ese cable está colgado y podría caerse.

Be careful, that wire is hanging loose and could fall.

Agreement with Ser/Estar

When used as an adjective, 'colgado' must match the noun in gender (o/a) and number (s/es). It is almost always used with 'estar' because it describes a temporary state (being hung).

suspendido

soos-pen-DEE-dohsuspenˈdiðo

adjectiveB1general
Use 'suspendido' for things literally dangling in the air, like a bridge, or for official sanctions like a player being banned.
A soccer player sitting on a bench on the sidelines looking sad while other players are on the field.

Examples

Es un puente suspendido sobre el abismo.

It is a bridge hanging over the abyss.

El jugador está suspendido por tres partidos.

The player is suspended for three games.

Fue suspendido de empleo y sueldo.

He was suspended from work without pay.

suspenso

soo-SPEN-sosusˈpenso

adjectiveC1general
Use 'suspenso' when referring to a state of being stunned, on hold, or in an uncertain, expectant state.
A person standing still with wide eyes and their hands on their cheeks in surprise.

Examples

Se quedó suspenso ante la belleza del paisaje.

He was left stunned by the beauty of the landscape.

La sesión quedó suspensa hasta nuevo aviso.

The session was suspended until further notice.

Gender Agreement

As an adjective, this word must match the person it describes. Use 'suspenso' for a man and 'suspensa' for a woman.

Physical Hanging vs. Figurative States

Learners often confuse 'colgado' and 'suspendido' when something is physically hanging. Remember 'colgado' is for objects attached and stationary (like a picture), while 'suspendido' often implies something dangling or in motion (like a bridge or a suspended sentence).

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