prisionero
/pɾisjoˈneɾo/masculine
The English phrase 'prisoner' is translated into Spanish as prisionero. Wiktionary also lists preso.
Meaning: person incarcerated in a prison (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| prisionero | /pɾisjoˈneɾo/ | masculine |
| preso | /ˈpɾeso/ | masculine |
The terms used to describe a person incarcerated in a prison depend on the context and the desired level of formality.
Which one should you use?
While both terms mean 'prisoner', preso is often used in more casual or journalistic contexts, whereas prisionero can sound more formal or literary.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico and Central America, the term presidiario/presidiaria is commonly used. In South America, recluso/reclusa is widely used.
How does it change in a sentence?
To refer to a female prisoner, use the feminine forms prisionera or presa. For plural groups containing only males or a mix of genders, use prisioneros or presos.
How do you pronounce it?
/pɾisjoˈneɾo/
Did you know?
- Because presa is also the Spanish word for 'prey' or 'catch' (as in a fish), a person described as a presa in a literary context might be interpreted as someone being hunted rather than someone in a cell.
- The word preso shares its roots with the English word 'prehensile', which describes limbs capable of grasping objects. This connects the state of being a 'prisoner' to the physical act of seizing or holding something.
- The word preso is also used in Spanish to describe someone who is 'prisoner' to an emotion, such as preso de pánico for someone gripped by panic.
Examples in context
- Tom es mi prisionero.Tom is my prisoner.This sentence uses prisionero to show ownership.Tatoeba #4384156 by saverius, translation #2647944 by CK
- El preso se ha fugado.The prisoner has escaped.This sentence uses preso to describe an escape.Tatoeba #6791341 by arh, translation #9947316 by Alairis
- Es prisionero de guerra.He's a prisoner of war.This sentence uses prisionero in the context of war.Tatoeba #3786229 by Seael, translation #2297224 by Hybrid
- El recluso fue trasladado a una nueva prisión.The prisoner was transferred to a new prison.
- La presa cumplirá su condena en una cárcel de máxima seguridad.The prisoner will serve her sentence in a maximum-security prison.
- El ladrón fue detenido y se convirtió en un recluso.The thief was caught and became a prisoner.
- Tuve que escapar de un grupo de cautivos.I had to escape from a group of prisoners.
- 32 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A news reporter and a journalist are discussing a local crime story.
- María¿Viste al prisionero en la noticia?Did you see the prisoner in the news?
- AlejandroSí, el prisionero parece muy peligroso.Yes, the prisoner looks very dangerous.
- MaríaAlejandro, ¿crees que escapará de la cárcel?Alejandro, do you think he will escape from jail?
- AlejandroEs difícil saberlo ahora mismo.It is hard to know right now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “prisoner” translations and entries prisionero, preso, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries preso, prisionero, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
