interno
/inˈteɾno/masculine
The English word 'inmate' is translated into Spanish as interno. Wiktionary also lists presidiario and convicto.
Meaning: one confined to institution, such as a prison (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| interno | /inˈteɾno/ | masculine |
| presidiario | /pɾesidjaɾjo/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| convicto | /komˈbiɡto/ | masculine |
All provided forms refer to a person confined to an institution, such as a prison.
Which one should you use?
The term interno is often used in official, administrative or bureaucratic contexts. Presidiario specifically refers to someone serving time in a prison, while convicto emphasizes the person's status as someone who has been found guilty of a crime by a court.
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine form interna is used when referring specifically to a single female inmate. The masculine plural form internos is used to refer to a group of male inmates or a mixed-gender group of inmates.
How do you pronounce it?
/inˈteɾno/
Did you know?
- While interno can mean 'inmate', it is also the standard word for 'intern' in a medical or hospital context.
- The word presidiario comes from presidio, which originally referred to a military garrison or a fortified place of protection.
- Depending on the country, an inmate might be called a recluso, a word derived from 'closing' or 'secluding' someone from society.
Examples in context
- Ayer, el preso recibió una visita de su familia.Yesterday, the inmate received a visit from his family.
- La presa obtuvo libertad condicional antes de lo esperado.The female inmate was granted parole earlier than expected.
- El interno tiene derecho a realizar llamadas.The inmate has the right to make phone calls.
- Un interno nuevo llegará mañana a la prisión.A new inmate will arrive at the prison tomorrow.
- El guardia registró las pertenencias del interno.The guard registered the inmate's belongings.
Example conversation
Mateo and María are discussing a news report about a local prison.
- Mateo¿Viste la noticia sobre el interno?Did you see the news about the inmate?
- MaríaNo, ¿qué pasó con él?No, what happened to him?
- MateoEl interno intentó escapar de la cárcel.The inmate tried to escape from the jail.
- MaríaEspero que lo atrapen pronto.I hope they catch him soon.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “inmate” translations and entries interno, presidiario, convicto, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries convicto, interno, presidiario, CC BY-SA 4.0.
