inconsciente
/inkonsˈθjente/
The English word "unconscious" is inconsciente in Spanish.
inconsciente is an adjective used to describe someone who is not awake.
Meaning: not awake (adj)
Which one should you use?
While inconsciente means "unconscious" (not awake), it is also used to mean "unaware" or "reckless" depending on the context.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective inconsciente is gender-neutral and remains the same for both masculine and feminine nouns. The plural form is inconscientes.
How do you pronounce it?
/inkonsˈθjente/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not confuse inconsciente with subconsciente (subconscious). Use inconsciente specifically for a lack of physical awareness or being knocked out.
Did you know?
- The root ciente in inconsciente comes from the Latin sciō, which means 'I know'. This is the same root that gives English the word 'science'.
- If you describe a driver as un conductor inconsciente, you are warning others that they are driving dangerously and irresponsibly, not that they have passed out behind the wheel.
- Spanish distinguishes between inconsciente and desmayado. While the first is a general state, desmayado specifically describes someone who has fainted.
Examples in context
- El paciente está inconsciente.The patient is unconscious.Tatoeba #1508913 by marcelostockle, translation #1278063 by MarijnKp
- Tom está inconsciente en el suelo.Tom is lying unconscious on the ground.Tatoeba #3762574 by Seael, translation #3428667 by CK
- Él estuvo inconsciente por tres días.He was unconscious for three days.Tatoeba #2469382 by marcelostockle, translation #928761 by lesgles
- María sufrió una caída y quedó inconsciente durante unos minutos.Mary had a fall and remained unconscious for a few minutes.
- El paciente ha estado en estado de coma por varios días.The patient has been in a coma for several days.
- 15 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Sofía are at the hospital after a car accident.
- Alejandro¿Cómo está el conductor?How is the driver?
- SofíaSigue inconsciente todavía.He is still unconscious.
- AlejandroEspero que se despierte pronto.I hope he wakes up soon.
- SofíaEl médico está revisándolo ahora.The doctor is checking him now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “unconscious” translations and entries inconsciente, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries inconsciente, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
