Inklingo

How to Say "unconscious" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “unconscious” is “inconsciente” — use this for a medical or physical state where someone has lost consciousness, such as fainting due to injury or illness.

English → Spanish

inconsciente

in-kon-syén-teiŋkonˈsjente

adjectiveB1medical/physical state
Use this for a medical or physical state where someone has lost consciousness, such as fainting due to injury or illness.
A simplified illustration of a person lying flat on their back on the ground, completely still with eyes closed, representing a medical state of being unconscious.

Examples

El paciente estaba inconsciente después de la operación.

The patient was unconscious after the surgery.

Después del accidente, el conductor quedó inconsciente por unos minutos.

After the accident, the driver remained unconscious for a few minutes.

Ella fue completamente inconsciente del peligro que corría.

She was completely unaware of the danger she was running.

Fue un error inconsciente; no quise ofender a nadie.

It was an unconscious (unintentional) mistake; I didn't mean to offend anyone.

Always Stays the Same

Unlike most adjectives, 'inconsciente' doesn't change based on gender (it's used for both masculine and feminine nouns). It only changes to plural: 'inconscientes'.

Ser vs. Estar

Use 'estar' (to be) to talk about the temporary state of being knocked out: 'El paciente está inconsciente.' Use 'ser' (to be) less often, usually for describing a person's general lack of awareness.

Accidentally Changing Gender

Mistake: “La mujer inconscienta.”

Correction: La mujer inconsciente. Remember, this adjective doesn't end in -o/-a, so it doesn't change its ending for gender.

desmayado

des-mah-YAH-dohdesmaˈʝaðo

adjectiveA2not awake or aware due to health issues
This is used when someone has fainted and is temporarily not conscious, typically due to a sudden physical issue like heat or shock.
A person lying peacefully on a soft rug with their eyes closed, appearing to have fainted.

Examples

Se sintió mareada y estuvo desmayada por un momento.

She felt dizzy and was fainted for a moment.

El hombre está desmayado en el sofá.

The man is fainted on the sofa.

Ella se quedó desmayada después de ver la sangre.

She fainted after seeing the blood.

Los paramédicos encontraron al conductor desmayado.

The paramedics found the driver unconscious.

Using with 'Estar'

Since being fainted is a temporary state and not a permanent personality trait, you must always use it with 'estar' (to be) or 'quedar' (to end up), never 'ser'.

Ending Changes

Because this is an adjective here, the ending must match the person. Use 'desmayado' for a man, 'desmayada' for a woman, and 'desmayados/as' for groups.

The 'Ser' Trap

Mistake: “Él es desmayado.”

Correction: Él está desmayado. Use 'estar' because fainting is a temporary condition.

automático

adjectiveB2thought process
Choose this when describing an action or reaction that happens without conscious thought, like a reflex.

Examples

Su respuesta fue automática, no tuvo tiempo de pensar.

His response was automatic; he didn't have time to think.

subconsciente

sub-kohn-syen-tehsubkonˈsjente

adjectiveB2done without realizing it
Use this to describe desires, thoughts, or actions that are not in your immediate awareness but influence your behavior.
A person walking through a garden and reaching out to touch a flower without looking at it.

Examples

A veces, el subconsciente maneja nuestros miedos.

Sometimes, the subconscious manages our fears.

Ella tiene un deseo subconsciente de viajar por el mundo.

She has a subconscious desire to travel the world.

Fue una reacción subconsciente ante el peligro.

It was a subconscious reaction to danger.

Muchos de nuestros hábitos son subconscientes.

Many of our habits are subconscious.

One Form for All

This word ends in -e, which means it stays the same whether you are describing a masculine noun (el deseo) or a feminine noun (la idea).

Placement

Like most Spanish adjectives, this usually comes after the thing it is describing (e.g., 'miedo subconsciente').

Don't Change the Ending

Mistake: “Es una reacción subconscienta.”

Correction: Es una reacción subconsciente. (Words ending in -e don't change to -a for feminine things.)

insensible

een-sen-SEE-blehin.senˈsi.βle

adjectiveB2passed out or not responding to stimuli
This refers to a lack of physical sensation, like when a body part goes numb due to cold or pressure, not a loss of consciousness.
A hand touching a block of ice with a soft glow to show lack of sensation.

Examples

Mis pies están insensibles del frío que hace.

My feet are numb from the cold.

Tengo los dedos insensibles por el frío.

My fingers are numb from the cold.

Después del golpe, se quedó insensible durante unos minutos.

After the hit, he remained unconscious for a few minutes.

La zona está insensible debido a la anestesia.

The area is numb due to the anesthesia.

Describing Body Parts

When talking about body parts that have lost feeling, we usually use the verb 'quedar' (to remain/be left) or 'estar' (to be).

Numb vs. Sleepy

Mistake: “Saying 'mi brazo está dormido' to sound medical.”

Correction: 'Dormido' is very common for a limb falling asleep, but 'insensible' is the proper term for a total lack of sensation.

Inconsciente vs. Desmayado

Learners often confuse 'inconsciente' and 'desmayado'. Remember that 'inconsciente' is broader, covering any medical loss of consciousness, while 'desmayado' specifically means 'fainted' due to a sudden physical event.

Related Translations

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