When it comes to learning a new language, one of the most important aspects is expanding your vocabulary. Understanding how to express common terms, such as “injured,” is essential, especially if you find yourself in a situation where you need to communicate an injury. In this guide, we will explore how to say “injured” in Spanish, including both formal and informal ways to express this term. Additionally, we will provide tips, examples, and even touch upon regional variations.
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Formal Ways to Say “Injured” in Spanish
1. Herido/a: This is the most formal way to express “injured” in Spanish. It is a gendered term, with “herido” used to describe a male individual and “herida” for a female individual. For example:
El futbolista quedó herido en el partido de ayer. (The soccer player was injured in yesterday’s match.)
2. Lastimado/a: Another formal option is to use “lastimado/a” to describe someone who is injured. This term is also gendered, with “lastimado” for males and “lastimada” for females. Here’s an example:
La conductora resultó lastimada en el accidente automovilístico. (The driver was injured in the car accident.)
3. Afectado/a: While “afectado/a” is a more general term meaning “affected,” it can also be used to describe someone who is injured. This term is not gendered, making it appropriate for all individuals. Here’s an example:
Los afectados por el terremoto recibieron atención médica de emergencia. (The earthquake victims received emergency medical care.)
Informal Ways to Say “Injured” in Spanish
1. Lesionado/a: When speaking informally, “lesionado/a” is commonly used to convey that someone is injured. Similar to the formal options, this term is gendered. For instance:
Mi amigo resultó lesionado en el partido de baloncesto. (My friend got injured in the basketball game.)
2. Machucado/a: In some Latin American countries, “machucado/a” is colloquially used to mean “injured.” Again, this term has gender variations. Here’s an example:
Después de la caída, quedé machucada y no podía caminar adecuadamente. (After the fall, I was injured and couldn’t walk properly.)
Tips for Expressing “Injured” in Spanish
1. When describing an injury, remember to use the appropriate gendered form of the word to match the individual’s gender.
2. Depending on the severity of the injury, you might also want to include adjectives to provide more context. For example, “gravemente herido” means “seriously injured,” while “levemente lastimado” means “lightly injured.”
3. If you are uncertain about the gender of the person you’re referring to, you can use the masculine plural form “heridos” or the neutral form “afectados.” These options allow for more flexibility when discussing injuries without needing to specify gender. For example, “Todos los heridos fueron trasladados al hospital” (All the injured were taken to the hospital).
Examples Using “Injured” in Sentences
- El ciclista resultó herido después de chocar contra un automóvil. (The cyclist was injured after colliding with a car.)
- La gimnasta quedó lesionada durante el entrenamiento. (The gymnast got injured during training.)
- Nuestro perro se lastimó la pata mientras jugaba en el parque. (Our dog injured its leg while playing at the park.)
- Los afectados por el incendio fueron llevados al hospital para recibir tratamiento. (The fire victims were taken to the hospital to receive treatment.)
- Después del accidente, el motociclista estaba gravemente herido. (After the accident, the motorcyclist was seriously injured.)
Learning how to say “injured” in Spanish enhances your ability to communicate effectively in various situations. Remember to adapt your vocabulary based on the level of formality and consider any regional variations you may encounter. Whether you need to seek medical help or simply express concern for someone’s well-being, being able to convey “injured” in Spanish will undoubtedly be valuable.
