ciego
/ˈθjeɡo/
The Spanish term for blind man is ciego.
The term ciego refers to a person who cannot see. It can be used as a noun to mean 'a blind man' or as a standard adjective meaning 'blind'. To be more specific, you can use the phrase hombre ciego for 'blind man' or persona ciega for 'blind person'.
Which one should you use?
While ciego can function as a noun meaning 'a blind man', it is also the standard adjective for 'blind' used to describe someone regardless of their gender.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, ciego is a common and neutral term for a blind man. In Mexico, invidente is also used to refer to a blind man.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the word changes based on gender and number. The feminine form used for a blind woman is ciega. For a group of blind men or a mixed-gender group of blind people, use the masculine plural ciegos. If you are referring to a group consisting only of blind women, use the feminine plural ciegas.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈθjeɡo/
Did you know?
- The word ciego is an etymological cousin of the English word 'caecum', the pouch-like structure at the beginning of the large intestine, because it is a 'blind' tube that leads nowhere.
- In Spanish, the term callejo ciego refers to a dead-end street or a cul-de-sac, treating the road as if it cannot see where it is going.
- In some Spanish-speaking contexts, calling someone a ciego can be a playful or slightly insulting way to say they are 'clueless' or 'oblivious' to a situation.
Examples in context
- "Ya veo", dijo el ciego."I see," said the blind man.Tatoeba #9676224 by arh, translation #2663595 by DJ_Saidez
- Es cruel burlarse de un ciego.It is cruel to mock a blind man.Tatoeba #1481184 by marcelostockle, translation #323759 by CM
- No hay peor ciego que el que no quiere ver.The worst blind man is the one who does not want to see.Tatoeba #3083676 by Shishir, translation #3083157 by carlosalberto
- El hombre ciego se movía con destreza.The blind man moved with dexterity.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are walking down a city street.
- AlejandroMira, ese hombre ciego necesita ayuda para cruzar.Look, that blind man needs help crossing.
- ElenaTienes razón, vamos a ayudarlo ahora mismo.You are right, let's help him right now.
- AlejandroHola, ¿está bien si lo acompaño, señor?Hello, is it okay if I accompany you, sir?
- ElenaEs muy amable de tu parte, Alejandro.It is very kind of you, Alejandro.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ciego, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ciego, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
