abusado
/abusado/from spelling rules
The English phrase "molested" is translated into Spanish as abusado.
The term refers to someone who has been subjected to sexual assault or abuse. While it can be used in this specific sexual context, abusado is also the standard word for "abused" in general contexts, such as being abused by someone in power or authority.
Which one should you use?
While abusado covers the meaning of being molested in a sexual context, it also functions as the general term for being "abused" in non-sexual scenarios.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the word must agree with the gender and number of the person or people being described. Use abusada if the person who was molested is female, abusados if referring to a group of males or a mixed-gender group and abusadas if referring to a group of females.
How do you pronounce it?
/abusado/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using molestado to mean sexual molestation. In Spanish, molestado actually means "annoyed" or "bothered".
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, calling someone abusado doesn't mean they are a victim, but rather that they are 'street smart' or 'too clever'.
- The word abusado comes from a root related to the concept of being 'sharp' or 'acute', much like the word 'aguzado'.
- Because abusado is a participle, the ending must change to abusada for a woman, whereas English adjectives like 'molested' never change based on gender.
Examples in context
- Me sentí incómoda, alguien estaba manoseándome en el metro.I felt uncomfortable, someone was touching me inappropriately on the metro.
- El niño fue abusado en la escuela.The boy was abused at school.
- Ese hombre fue abusado durante su infancia.That man was abused during his childhood.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are discussing a news report about a court case.
- Alejandro¿Leíste la noticia sobre el caso?Did you read the news about the case?
- ElenaSí, es terrible que haya sido abusado así.Yes, it is terrible that he was abused like that.
- AlejandroEl culpable ya fue arrestado.The culprit has already been arrested.
- ElenaEspero que la víctima reciba ayuda pronto.I hope the victim receives help soon.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries abusado, CC BY-SA 4.0.
