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How to Say "vulnerable" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “vulnerable” is “vulnerable” — use this word when referring to being easily harmed, attacked, or influenced, often in a general or systemic sense, like vulnerable populations..

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vulnerable

voo-lneh-RAH-bleh/bulneˈɾable/

AdjectiveB1General
Use this word when referring to being easily harmed, attacked, or influenced, often in a general or systemic sense, like vulnerable populations.
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 pequeños son muy vulnerables a las enfermedades infecciosas.

Young children are very vulnerable to infectious diseases.

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.

expuesto

eks-PWES-toh/eksˈpwesto/

AdjectiveB1General
Choose this translation when something is open or unprotected, making it susceptible to physical harm from external factors like weather or attack.
A small green plant sitting alone on a bare, windy hill under a large gray cloud.

Examples

La costa está expuesta a las tormentas durante el otoño.

The coast is exposed to 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
Use 'frágil' when emphasizing a state of being easily broken or damaged, particularly concerning health or delicate emotional states.

Examples

Su confianza era frágil después de la decepción.

His confidence was fragile after the disappointment.

débiles

AdjectiveA2General
This word translates to 'weak' and is best used when describing a lack of physical strength or structural integrity, making something easily broken or overcome.

Examples

Los cimientos de la casa eran débiles y se derrumbaron.

The house's foundations were weak and collapsed.

Choosing Between 'Vulnerable' and 'Expuesto'

Learners often confuse 'vulnerable' and 'expuesto'. Remember that 'vulnerable' implies an inherent susceptibility to harm or influence, while 'expuesto' focuses on being physically open or unprotected to external threats.

Related Translations

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