Inklingo

How to Say "vulnerable" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “vulnerable” is “vulnerable” — use 'vulnerable' when referring to a general susceptibility to harm, attack, or influence, often used for groups or situations where increased risk is present.

vulnerable🔊B1

Use 'vulnerable' when referring to a general susceptibility to harm, attack, or influence, often used for groups or situations where increased risk is present.

Learn more →
débilesA2

Choose 'débiles' when the primary meaning is 'weak' in a physical or structural sense, indicating a lack of strength or resilience.

Learn more →
expuesto🔊B1

Use 'expuesto' when something or someone is physically uncovered or open to external factors like weather, danger, or scrutiny.

Learn more →
frágilB1

Opt for 'frágil' when describing something or someone easily broken or damaged, often implying a delicate state, whether physical or emotional.

Learn more →
indefenso🔊B1

Select 'indefenso' when the focus is on being unable to defend oneself or lacking protection, emphasizing a state of helplessness.

Learn more →
English → Spanish

vulnerable

voo-lneh-RAH-blehbulneˈɾable

adjectiveB1general
Use 'vulnerable' when referring to a general susceptibility to harm, attack, or influence, often used for groups or situations where increased risk is present.
A tiny, newly hatched yellow chick stands alone in a wide, open green field under a vast blue sky, emphasizing its fragility and lack of protection.

Examples

Los niños son especialmente vulnerables a la desinformación en línea.

Children are especially vulnerable to misinformation online.

Los ancianos son un grupo especialmente vulnerable al frío.

Elderly people are a group especially vulnerable to the cold.

El sistema informático resultó ser vulnerable a un ataque sencillo.

The computer system turned out to be vulnerable to a simple attack.

Cuando te enamoras, te sientes muy vulnerable.

When you fall in love, you feel very vulnerable.

Adjective Agreement (Number)

Since 'vulnerable' ends in '-e', it doesn't change based on whether the noun is masculine or feminine (es: 'la zona vulnerable', 'el grupo vulnerable'). However, you must add an '-s' for plural nouns: 'zonas vulnerables' or 'grupos vulnerables'.

Using the wrong verb

Mistake: “Estar vulnerable”

Correction: Ser vulnerable. Because vulnerability is usually a defining characteristic or a long-term state, you almost always use 'ser' (to be) instead of 'estar' (to be, temporary state). 'Ella es vulnerable' (She is vulnerable) is correct.

débiles

adjectiveA2general
Choose 'débiles' when the primary meaning is 'weak' in a physical or structural sense, indicating a lack of strength or resilience.

Examples

Las defensas del país son débiles contra un ataque sorpresa.

The country's defenses are weak against a surprise attack.

expuesto

eks-PWES-toheksˈpwesto

adjectiveB1general
Use 'expuesto' when something or someone is physically uncovered or open to external factors like weather, danger, or scrutiny.
A small green plant sitting alone on a bare, windy hill under a large gray cloud.

Examples

La costa está expuesta a fuertes tormentas durante el otoño.

The coast is exposed to strong storms during the autumn.

El pueblo está muy expuesto al viento en invierno.

The town is very exposed to the wind in winter.

Sin seguridad, tus datos personales quedan expuestos.

Without security, your personal data remains exposed.

Me sentí muy expuesto después de contarle mi secreto.

I felt very vulnerable after telling him my secret.

Matching the Noun

Since this acts as a descriptor, remember to change the ending to 'expuesta' for feminine things or 'expuestos/as' for plurals.

Choosing the right 'To Be'

Mistake: “Soy expuesto al sol.”

Correction: Estoy expuesto al sol.

frágil

adjectiveB1general
Opt for 'frágil' when describing something or someone easily broken or damaged, often implying a delicate state, whether physical or emotional.

Examples

Su estado de ánimo es frágil después de recibir malas noticias.

His mood is fragile after receiving bad news.

indefenso

een-deh-FEN-sohindeˈfenso

adjectiveB1general
Select 'indefenso' when the focus is on being unable to defend oneself or lacking protection, emphasizing a state of helplessness.
A tiny, fluffy yellow chick standing alone in a large green field.

Examples

El testigo se sintió indefenso ante las preguntas del abogado.

The witness felt defenseless against the lawyer's questions.

El pequeño gatito se veía muy indefenso en medio de la tormenta.

The little kitten looked very helpless in the middle of the storm.

Sin sus herramientas, el mecánico se sentía indefenso ante el motor roto.

Without his tools, the mechanic felt defenseless before the broken engine.

Las leyes actuales dejan a los consumidores indefensos ante los grandes bancos.

Current laws leave consumers defenseless against big banks.

Matching the Gender

Since this is an adjective, you must change the ending to match the person or thing you are describing. Use 'indefenso' for a male/masculine object and 'indefensa' for a female/feminine object.

Using 'Estar' vs 'Sentirse'

We usually use this word with 'estar' (to be) to describe a current state of lack of protection, or 'sentirse' (to feel) to describe the emotion of being vulnerable.

Don't confuse with 'Harmless'

Mistake: “Ese perro no muerde, es indefenso.”

Correction: Ese perro no muerde, es inofensivo.

Choosing Between 'Vulnerable' and 'Débil'

Learners often confuse 'vulnerable' and 'débil'. Remember that 'vulnerable' implies susceptibility to harm or attack, while 'débil' focuses more on a general lack of strength or physical weakness. Think about whether the core idea is risk or simply being not strong.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.