How to Say "tainted" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “tainted” is “contaminado” — use this word when referring to something that has been made impure or unhealthy, often in a general or figurative sense, like air, water, or even a reputation being damaged by negative influences..
contaminado
/kon-tah-mee-nah-doh//kontamiˈnaðo/
Examples
El agua del río está contaminada por los desechos industriales.
The river water is contaminated by industrial waste.
El aire de la ciudad está muy contaminado hoy.
The city air is very polluted today.
No podemos beber este agua porque está contaminada.
We cannot drink this water because it is contaminated.
El experimento falló porque el material estaba contaminado.
The experiment failed because the material was contaminated.
Matching the Noun
This word must change its ending to match what you are describing. Use 'contaminado' for masculine things (like 'aire') and 'contaminada' for feminine things (like 'agua').
Using with 'Estar'
Since being polluted is usually a state or condition, we almost always use this word with the verb 'estar' (to be) rather than 'ser'.
Gender Mismatch
Mistake: “El agua está contaminado.”
Correction: El agua está contaminada. Even though 'agua' starts with 'el', it is a feminine word, so the adjective needs an 'a' at the end.
manchado
/man-CHA-doh//manˈtʃaðo/
Examples
Su historial limpio quedó manchado por el escándalo.
His clean record was tarnished by the scandal.
Su reputación quedó manchada tras el juicio.
His reputation was tarnished after the trial.
Tiene un pasado manchado por la corrupción.
He has a past tainted by corruption.
Es difícil limpiar un honor manchado.
It is difficult to clean a disgraced honor.
Using 'quedar' for impact
Instead of 'ser' or 'estar,' we often use 'quedar' (to remain/end up) with 'manchado' to show the lasting result of a scandal or mistake.
Confusing 'sucio' and 'manchado'
Mistake: “Su nombre está sucio.”
Correction: Su nombre está manchado. While 'sucio' (dirty) works, 'manchado' is the much more common and professional way to talk about a ruined reputation.
envenenado
/en-ben-en-ah-doh//embenenˈaðo/
Examples
No bebas de esa botella, parece envenenada.
Don't drink from that bottle, it looks poisoned.
El perro se comió un trozo de carne envenenado.
The dog ate a piece of poisoned meat.
Ten cuidado con ese río, el agua está envenenada.
Be careful with that river; the water is poisoned.
Changing the Ending
Since this word is used for descriptions, remember to change the 'o' to 'a' (envenenada) if you are describing something feminine, like 'la comida' (the food).
Don't confuse with 'venenoso'
Mistake: “Using 'envenenado' for a snake.”
Correction: Use 'venenoso' for animals that produce poison naturally, and 'envenenado' for something that had poison added to it or has been harmed by it.
Contaminado vs. Manchado
Related Translations
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