con el cerebro lavado
/kon el θeɾebɾo labado/from spelling rules
The Spanish phrase for "brainwashed" is con el cerebro lavado.
This phrase is used to describe someone who has been forced to believe something through the use of strong pressure or manipulation.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the preposition con (with), the definite article el (the), the noun cerebro (brain) and the past participle lavado (washed).
Did you know?
- The phrase lavado de cerebro is a direct calque, meaning it was translated word-for-word from the English phrase 'brainwashing' rather than evolving from an indigenous Spanish idiom.
- In colloquial Spanish, instead of saying someone is con el cerebro lavado, people might say they are cegado, which literally means 'blinded'.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, the idea of being 'brainwashed' can be expressed using the word adoctrinado, which specifically emphasizes the process of being taught a strict set of doctrines.
Examples in context
- Los medios de comunicación hicieron un lavado de cerebro a la población.The media brainwashed the population.
- Siente que lo tienen con el cerebro lavado.He feels like they have him brainwashed.
- No quiere vivir con el cerebro lavado por la publicidad.He doesn't want to live brainwashed by advertising.
- Muchos jóvenes terminan con el cerebro lavado por internet.Many young people end up brainwashed by the internet.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Lucía are discussing a controversial documentary.
- Alejandro¿Crees que ese grupo tiene a la gente con el cerebro lavado?Do you think that group has people brainwashed?
- LucíaSí, Alejandro, parece que los manipulan constantemente.Yes, Alejandro, it seems they manipulate them constantly.
- AlejandroEs un método muy peligroso para controlar a otros.It is a very dangerous method to control others.
- LucíaTienes razón, hay que tener mucho cuidado.You are right, one must be very careful.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
