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"Cárcel" is a noun which is often translated as "prison", and "preso" is a noun which is often translated as "prisoner". Learn more about the difference between "cárcel" and "preso" below.
la cárcel(
kahr
-
sehl
)A feminine noun is almost always used with feminine articles and adjectives (e.g., la mujer bonita, la luna llena).
el preso, la presa(
preh
-
soh
)This means that the noun can be masculine or feminine, depending on the gender of the noun it refers to (e.g., el doctor, la doctora).
An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
b. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Lo metieron preso por manejar en estado de embriaguez.He was jailed for drunk driving.
Creo que el marido de Maite estuvo preso por unos cinco años.I think Maite's husband was in prison for about five years.
a. gripped by
Los refugiados rescatados se veían agotados y presos del dolor.The rescued refugees looked exhausted and gripped by fear.
