How to Say "unharmed" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “unharmed” is “intacto” — use 'intacto' when referring to something that has arrived or remained in its original condition, without any damage or physical alteration, often used for objects.
Use 'intacto' when referring to something that has arrived or remained in its original condition, without any damage or physical alteration, often used for objects.
Learn more →
Use 'salvo' when referring to a person who has escaped a dangerous situation or accident without being injured.
Learn more →een-TAHK-tohinˈtakto
Examples
El paquete llegó intacto, a pesar del mal tiempo.
The package arrived unharmed, despite the bad weather.
La caja llegó intacta a su destino.
The box arrived intact at its destination.
A pesar del incendio, los cuadros quedaron intactos.
Despite the fire, the paintings remained untouched.
El conductor salió intacto del accidente.
The driver came out of the accident unharmed.
Matching the Noun
This word must change its ending to match the gender and number of the object you are describing: 'el libro intacto' (masculine) but 'la caja intacta' (feminine).
Use with 'Quedar'
In Spanish, we often use 'quedar' (to remain) with 'intacto' to describe the final state of something after an event, like 'El edificio quedó intacto' (The building remained standing/untouched).
Using it for 'Brand New'
Mistake: “Compré un carro intacto.”
Correction: Compré un carro nuevo. Use 'nuevo' for things you just bought, and 'intacto' for things that survived a danger or haven't been touched.
sal-bohˈsal.bo
Examples
Todos los pasajeros salieron a salvo del incendio.
All passengers emerged unharmed from the fire.
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.
Intacto vs. Salvo: Objects vs. People
Learners often confuse 'intacto' and 'salvo' by using them interchangeably for people or objects. Remember that 'intacto' is primarily for objects that remain undamaged, while 'salvo' is for people who have escaped harm.
Related Translations
Learn Spanish with Inklingo
Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.