How to Say "to harm" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to harm” is “dañar” — use 'dañar' when referring to physical damage, or harm to health, reputation, or relationships..
dañar
Examples
Fumar daña la salud.
Smoking harms your health.
perjudicar
/per-hoo-dee-kar//peɾxuðiˈkaɾ/
Examples
Fumar perjudica seriamente la salud.
Smoking seriously harms your health.
Ese escándalo puede perjudicar su carrera profesional.
That scandal could damage her professional career.
La lluvia constante perjudicó la cosecha de este año.
The constant rain harmed this year's harvest.
The 'Personal A'
When you use this word to talk about harming a specific person or group, you must use the word 'a' before the name or noun. For example: 'Eso perjudica a mi hermano' (That harms my brother).
The Spelling Swap
To keep the 'k' sound in some forms, the letter 'c' changes to 'qu'. This happens in the 'yo' form of the past (perjudiqué) and in all 'special wish' (subjunctive) forms (perjudique).
Confusing with 'Prejudicar'
Mistake: “Using 'prejudicar' to mean harm.”
Correction: Always use 'perjudicar' for harm. 'Prejudicar' isn't a common word; the word for 'to prejudice' is actually 'prejuzgar'.
lesionar
/leh-syo-nar//lesjoˈnaɾ/
Examples
Esa decisión política podría lesionar los intereses de la comunidad.
That political decision could harm the interests of the community.
No queremos lesionar los derechos de los trabajadores.
We don't want to violate the rights of the workers.
Sus comentarios lesionaron el honor de la familia.
His comments damaged the family's honor.
Abstract Subjects
Unlike the physical meaning, this sense often has an 'idea' or 'event' as the subject. For example, 'The crisis (crisis) injured (lesionó) the economy'.
Dañar vs. Perjudicar
Related Translations
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