Are you looking to expand your Spanish vocabulary? Well, you’ve come to the right place! In this guide, we will explore the different ways to say “runaway” in Spanish, including both formal and informal variations. We’ll also touch upon some regional differences, so you can have a well-rounded understanding of this versatile term. Whether you’re learning Spanish for travel, business, or personal enrichment, knowing how to express the concept of a runaway is essential. So, let’s dive right in!
Table of Contents
1. Formal Ways to Say “Runaway” in Spanish
When it comes to formal situations, it’s crucial to use the appropriate language. Here are three formal expressions commonly used to convey the meaning of “runaway” in Spanish:
a) Fugitivo
“Fugitivo” directly translates to “fugitive” in English. While it can be commonly associated with criminals or someone fleeing from the law, it can also be used in a broader sense to mean any person who has run away or escaped from a situation. For example:
Las autoridades continúan buscando al fugitivo que escapó de la cárcel anoche.
(The authorities are still searching for the runaway who escaped from the prison last night.)
b) Evadido
Similar to “fugitivo,” “evadido” translates to “escaped.” However, this term is more commonly used when referring to escaping from confinement, such as a jail or institution. Here’s an example:
El prisionero evadido representa un peligro para la sociedad.
(The runaway prisoner poses a danger to society.)
c) Desertor
“Desertor” is the formal Spanish term for “deserter” in English. While it typically refers to someone who has abandoned their post in the military, it can also be used more broadly to describe a runaway individual. Here’s an example sentence:
El soldado fue catalogado como desertor tras abandonar el cuartel sin autorización.
(The soldier was classified as a runaway after leaving the barracks without authorization.)
2. Informal Ways to Say “Runaway” in Spanish
In informal conversations or everyday scenarios, native Spanish speakers often use alternative expressions to convey the idea of a runaway. Here are a few informal options:
a) Fugado
“Fugado” is the casual form of “fugitivo” and can be used interchangeably in most situations. It’s commonly heard in spoken Spanish and less formal written contexts. Here’s an example:
Juan es un fugado de su casa desde hace una semana.
(Juan has been a runaway from home for a week.)
b) Huido
Similar to “fugado,” “huido” means “fled” in English and is regularly used in everyday speech to describe someone who has fled or run away. Here’s an example sentence:
La chica estaba llorando cuando descubrió que su perro se había huido.
(The girl was crying when she discovered her dog had run away.)
3. Regional Variations
Spanish is spoken across various countries, each with its own unique vocabulary and expressions. While the terms mentioned above are understood throughout most Spanish-speaking regions, there are a few regional variations worth noting:
a) Latin America
In many parts of Latin America, particularly in Central America and Mexico, the term “desertor” is sometimes replaced with “quitate” when referring to someone who is on the run or running away. However, this is more colloquially used and not considered the formal way to express it.
b) Spain
In Spain, the word “fugitivo” remains the most commonly used term across formal and informal contexts. However, you might occasionally hear the regional variation “esfumado” in some parts of Spain, especially in informal conversations or local dialects.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve now acquired a solid understanding of how to say “runaway” in Spanish. Remember that context, formality, and regional variations play a role in choosing the right phrase. Whether you opt for the formal expressions like “fugitivo,” “evadido,” and “desertor,” or the more informal “fugado” and “huido,” you’ll be well-equipped to express the concept fluently in any Spanish-speaking environment.
Keep practicing and incorporating these new vocabulary words into your conversations to enhance your language skills. ¡Buena suerte!
