Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| ciego | /ˈθjeɡo/ /ˈsjeɡo/ |
| invidente | /imbiˈdente/ |
The primary way to describe someone unable to see is with the adjective ciego. This word can also function as a noun to refer to a blind person. If you wish to describe the action of making someone blind or the sensation of being blinded by light, use the verb cegar.
Which one should you use?
While ciego is the most common term for blind, invidente is a more polite and formal term often used in official or medical contexts to mean visually impaired.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, ciego must agree in gender and number with the person or noun being described. Use ciega for a woman or a feminine noun, and use ciegos for a group of men or a mixed-gender group.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈθjeɡo/
What mistakes should you avoid?
When describing the process of losing sight (to go blind), do not use ser ciego. Instead, use the phrase quedarse ciego.
Did you know?
- Spanish uses the phrase dar palos de ciego to describe someone who is acting blindly or randomly without a clear plan.
- The word ciego descends from the Latin word caecus, which is also the ancestor of the English medical term 'caecum' for the blind pouch of the large intestine.
- The word ciego is used to describe a 'blind alley' or a dead-end street, known as a callejón ciego.
Examples in context
- El amor es ciego.Love is by nature blind.This sentence uses ciego to illustrate a metaphorical use regarding love.Tatoeba #402809 by catakaoe, translation #326276 by rul
- ¿Es ciego tu hijo?Is your son blind?This sentence uses ciego to ask a question about a person's sight.Tatoeba #3779309 by cueyayotl, translation #5108387 by Catriona
- Tom se quedó ciego.Tom became blind.This sentence uses ciego to describe the process of becoming blind.Tatoeba #4526185 by Shishir, translation #2956095 by CK
- Conozco a una persona con discapacidad visual.I know a person with visual impairment.
- 95 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Daniel are talking about a new neighbor.
- Elena¿Conoces al nuevo vecino?Do you know the new neighbor?
- DanielSí, es un hombre ciego.Yes, he is a blind man.
- ElenaDaniel, ¿él tiene un perro guía?Daniel, does he have a guide dog?
- DanielSí, siempre lo acompaña.Yes, it always accompanies him.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “blind” translations and entries ciego, invidente, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ciego, invidente, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
