inválido
/imˈbalido/
The English phrase "invalid" (meaning not valid) is translated into Spanish as inválido.
The primary use of inválido is as an adjective to describe something that is not valid, such as a contract or a certificate. It can also function as a noun to refer to a sick person or a person with a handicap or disability. However, in modern Spanish, using inválido to describe a person is often considered dated or insensitive. To be more respectful when referring to someone with a physical disability, it is better to use the phrase persona con discapacidad física or to state that they necesita asistencia (needs assistance).
Meaning: not valid (adj)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, inválido must agree with the noun it modifies. For example, you should use the feminine form inválida when referring to a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/imˈbalido/
Did you know?
- The word inválido derives from the Latin 'invalidus', which literally translates to 'not strong' or 'without strength'.
- While inválido refers to legal validity, Spanish uses the word caducado to describe something that is 'invalid' because it has expired, such as a passport or a yogurt.
- In Spanish legal settings, a document that is 'invalid' is more commonly described as nulo rather than inválido.
Examples in context
- Si usted es forzado a firmarlo, el contrato es inválido.The contract, if you were forced to sign it, is invalid.This sentence shows how to use inválido to describe an invalid contract.Tatoeba #1116611 by marcelostockle, translation #32059 by CM
- Cualquier alteración a este certificado lo vuelve inválido, y el uso de un certificado alterado podría constituir una ofensa criminal.Any alteration to this certificate renders it invalid, and use of an altered certificate could constitute a criminal offence.This sentence demonstrates the use of inválido regarding an invalid certificate.Tatoeba #1284016 by marcelostockle, translation #1105796 by AlanF_US
- Es gracias a ti que soy un inválido.It's because of you that I'm an invalid.This sentence uses inválido as a noun to refer to an invalid.Tatoeba #10993937 by DJ_Saidez, translation #958963 by CM
- Mi abuelo es inválido, necesita ayuda para caminar.My grandfather is an invalid, he needs help to walk.
- María tiene una pierna lastimada y está impedida temporalmente.María has an injured leg and is temporarily invalid.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Alejandro are checking tickets for an event.
- SofíaTu código de descuento es inválido.Your discount code is invalid.
- AlejandroEs verdad, ya ha caducado.That's true, it has already expired.
- SofíaLo siento, Alejandro, no puedo usarlo.I'm sorry, Alejandro, I cannot use it.
- AlejandroEstá bien, pagaré el precio completo.That's fine, I will pay the full price.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “invalid” translations and entries inválido, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries inválido, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
