inclinado
/inkliˈnado/
The English phrase bent over is translated into Spanish as inclinado.
This phrase describes the physical position of leaning forward and downward from the waist.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the word must agree with the gender and number of the person or object being described. Use inclinada if the subject is feminine, inclinados for a group of men or a mixed-gender group and inclinadas for a group consisting only of females. Additionally, when stating that someone is currently in this position, you must use the verb estar (está) rather than ser (es). For example, use está inclinado to say "is bent over".
How do you pronounce it?
/inkliˈnado/
Did you know?
- While inclinado describes a physical lean, the phrase doblarse de risa is used to say someone is 'bent over' from laughing. In this context, the verb doblar means to fold like a piece of paper.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, the phrase estar inclinado can also be used metaphorically to describe a person who is biased or prejudiced toward a specific side or opinion.
- If you are describing someone who is bent over because of old age or physical frailty, you might use the word encorvado instead of inclinado.
Examples in context
- Permanecía inclinado hacia delante mientras leía el libroHe remained bent over while reading the book
- El anciano estaba curvado hacia adelante debido a su edadThe elderly man was bent over due to his age
- El chico estaba encorvado sobre la mesa mientras estudiabaThe boy was bent over the table while studying
- El niño estaba encorvado sobre la bicicleta, pedaleando rápidamenteThe boy was bent over the bike, pedaling quickly
- El jardinero estaba agachado en el jardín, observando las plantasThe gardener was bent over in the garden, observing the plants
- Se inclinó para recoger la llave.He/she bent over to pick up the key.
- El hombre está inclinado para recoger la llave.The man is bent over to pick up the key.
- Ten cuidado al estar inclinado hacia adelante.Be careful when leaning forward.
Example conversation
Alejandro is cleaning the floor under a couch.
- AlejandroEstoy inclinado y no alcanzo el polvo.I am bent over and I can't reach the dust.
- SofíaUsa la escoba larga, Alejandro.Use the long broom, Alejandro.
- AlejandroTienes razón, así no estoy tan inclinado.You are right, this way I am not so bent over.
- SofíaEs mejor para tu espalda, Sofía dice.It is better for your back, Sofia says.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry inclinado, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
