How to Say “Disabled” in Spanish

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discapacitado
/diskapaθiˈtado/
The Spanish word for disabled is discapacitado.
The adjective discapacitado is used to describe someone who has a disability. It can also function as a noun to refer to a disabled person.
Meaning: having a disability (adj)

Which one should you use?

While discapacitado is the standard term, the word minusválido is often considered outdated or more offensive in modern Spanish contexts.

Related words

Disabled one (noun): minusválido, discapacitado.

How does it change in a sentence?

The adjective must agree in gender with the noun it modifies. Use the feminine form discapacitada for female subjects. For a group of males or a mixed-gender group, use the masculine plural form discapacitados.

How do you pronounce it?

/diskapaθiˈtado/

Did you know?

  • The term minusválido literally translates to 'of lesser value'. This etymology explains why the word has become offensive and is now avoided in favor of discapacitado.
  • In Spain, the term diversidad funcional is increasingly used in academic and official settings. It frames disability as a functional difference rather than a deficit.
  • Depending on the region, the word inválido can be a neutral medical term or a harsh insult. Its acceptability varies wildly between Spain and Latin American countries.

Examples in context

  • La palabra fugusha ("discapacitado") puede ser despectiva.
    The word fugusha ("disabled") might be insulting.
    This sentence notes that the word discapacitado can be used in a derogatory way.
    Tatoeba #1205568 by marcelostockle, translation #401912 by Grayster
  • Es útil principalmente para discapacitados, personas con enfermedades y los ancianos.
    This is useful mainly for disabled people, people with illnesses, and the elderly.
    This sentence uses discapacitado to describe a group of people for whom a service is useful.
    Tatoeba #3266431 by wallebot, translation #1149176 by shekitten
  • El aparcamiento reservado es para personas discapacitadas.
    The reserved parking space is for disabled people.
  • Es importante escuchar y respetar las necesidades de una persona con discapacidad.
    It is important to listen to and respect the needs of a person with a disability.
  • La inclusión laboral de personas con discapacidad es fundamental para una sociedad equitativa.
    The employment inclusion of people with disabilities is fundamental for an equitable society.
  • Estamos trabajando para mejorar la calidad de vida de aquellos en situación de discapacidad.
    We are working to improve the quality of life for those in a situation of disability.
  • Es necesario proporcionar recursos a las personas en situación de discapacidad para su pleno desarrollo.
    It is necessary to provide resources to people in a situation of disability for their full development.
  • El estacionamiento reservado es solo para minusválidos.
    The reserved parking space is only for disabled people.
  • Mi abuelo es un inválido desde que tuvo su accidente en bicicleta.
    My grandfather has been disabled since his bicycle accident.
  • El acceso a la playa para los inválidos está mejorando gradualmente.
    The beach access for disabled individuals is gradually improving.
  • Ayúdame a ayudar a los discapacitados ofreciendo nuestro apoyo a organizaciones benéficas.
    Help me support disabled people by offering our support to charitable organizations.
  • Mi hermano trabaja en una escuela para niños discapacitados y disfruta mucho su trabajo.
    My brother works in a school for disabled children and really enjoys his job.
  • 1 more sentence on Tatoeba

Example conversation

María and Mateo are discussing accessibility at a local park.

  1. María

    Este parque no es apto para alguien discapacitado.
    This park is not suitable for someone who is disabled.
  2. Mateo

    Tienes razón, no hay rampas para las sillas.
    You are right, there are no ramps for wheelchairs.
  3. María

    Mateo, deberíamos pedir que instalen accesos nuevos.
    Mateo, we should ask them to install new access points.
  4. Mateo

    Sí, el acceso para el discapacitado es fundamental.
    Yes, access for the disabled person is fundamental.

Sources

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Alexander Glenn
Alexander GlennHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
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