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A2 verb #4,500 le plus courant 10 min de lecture

herir

Top 4,500

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces herir en 30 secondes

Explication herir in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just beginning to learn how to express basic needs and actions. The verb 'herir' might be a bit advanced for your first few weeks, but you will encounter its past participle 'herido' (hurt/injured) early on. You might use it in very simple contexts like 'Me herí' (I hurt myself) or 'Él está herido' (He is injured). At this stage, you don't need to worry about complex metaphors. Focus on the physical meaning: a cut, a scrape, or a bump. Remember that in Spanish, we often use 'me duele' (it hurts me) for pain, but 'herirse' for the action of getting a wound. If you are playing sports or cooking and you have a small accident, 'herirse' is the word you use to tell someone you got a wound. It is a stem-changing verb, so you might notice it looks like 'hiero' in the present tense, which can be confusing. Just remember: 'herir' = to cause a wound. Keep it simple and use it for physical injuries you can see.

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At the A2 level, you are building your vocabulary to describe personal experiences and surroundings. 'Herir' becomes more useful as you learn to tell stories in the past. You should start using 'herir' to describe accidents or small injuries more precisely. For example, 'Me herí la mano con un papel' (I cut/hurt my hand with a paper). You also begin to see the emotional side of the word. You might say 'Tus palabras me hirieron' (Your words hurt me). This is a great way to express feelings beyond just 'estoy triste' (I am sad). At A2, you should also be aware of the stem changes: 'e' becomes 'ie' in the present (hiero, hieres, hiere) and 'e' becomes 'i' in the third person of the preterite (hirió, hirieron). This is a common hurdle for A2 students, but mastering it will make your Spanish sound much more accurate. You will also see 'herido' used as an adjective frequently in news headlines or simple stories about heroes and accidents.

At the B1 level, you are expected to handle more complex social situations and express opinions. 'Herir' is essential here for discussing interpersonal relationships and being polite. You will use it in phrases like 'herir los sentimientos' (to hurt feelings) or 'herir el orgullo' (to hurt pride). This level requires you to use the subjunctive mood, so you'll practice sentences like 'No quiero que mis comentarios te hieran' (I don't want my comments to hurt you). You are also moving beyond simple physical wounds to 'herir sensibilidades' (to offend sensibilities), which is useful in discussions about culture, art, or politics. You should be comfortable with the passive voice by now: 'Tres personas fueron heridas en el choque' (Three people were injured in the crash). This is the standard way to report news. At B1, you should also distinguish between 'herir' and 'hacer daño'. While 'hacer daño' is very common and general, 'herir' adds a specific touch of 'wounding' or 'stabbing' (even metaphorically), giving your speech more flavor and precision.

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At the B2 level, your command of Spanish should allow you to discuss abstract concepts and technical details. 'Herir' is used in more formal and literary contexts. You might discuss how a specific law 'hiere los derechos' (violates/hurts the rights) of a group, or how an artist's work 'hiere la vista' (is an eyesore/hurts the eyes) due to its intensity. You will encounter 'herir' in literature where it is used to describe deep existential pain or the 'wounded' state of a nation after a war. You should be fully proficient in all its irregular forms, including the gerund 'hiriendo' and the future/conditional. You also start to understand the nuance between 'herir' and 'vulnerar' or 'lesionar'. In a professional or academic setting, you might use 'herir' to describe the impact of a economic policy on a specific sector. Your ability to use it metaphorically without hesitation is a hallmark of the B2 level. You can also use it in fixed expressions like 'herir en lo más vivo' (to cut to the quick/hurt deeply).

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At the C1 level, you are exploring the fine nuances of the Spanish language. 'Herir' is no longer just a verb for injuries; it is a tool for precise emotional and intellectual expression. You might use it to describe how a piece of music 'hiere el silencio' (breaks/pierces the silence) or how a sharp wit 'hiere sin derramar sangre' (hurts without drawing blood). You are familiar with its use in legal and medical jargon where 'herida por arma blanca' (stab wound) or 'herida por arma de fuego' (gunshot wound) are standard terms. You can discuss the etymology of the word, linking it to the Latin 'ferire' (to strike), and you understand its relationship with other words like 'interferencia' or 'perforar'. At this level, you can use 'herir' in sophisticated arguments, perhaps discussing how a certain ideology 'hiere los cimientos de la democracia' (hurts the foundations of democracy). Your usage is effortless, and you can switch between the literal, the metaphorical, and the formal registers of the word with ease.

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At the C2 level, you have a near-native or native-like mastery of Spanish. 'Herir' is a word you can manipulate to create poetic or highly persuasive text. You understand its deep cultural roots in Hispanic literature, from the 'herida' of San Juan de la Cruz in his mystical poetry to the social 'heridas' discussed by modern Latin American essayists. You can use the verb in archaic or highly formal structures without it sounding forced. You might use it in complex conditional sentences or within the 'se' impersonal to make broad philosophical statements: 'Se hiere más con lo que se calla que con lo que se dice' (One hurts more with what is kept silent than with what is said). You are also aware of regional variations in how 'herir' might be replaced by 'lastimar' or 'madrear' in slang, and you can navigate these variations perfectly. For you, 'herir' is a versatile instrument in your linguistic orchestra, capable of describing a microscopic cellular injury or a tectonic shift in a nation's soul.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

herir en 30 secondes

Herir means to wound or hurt someone physically or emotionally. It is a transitive verb requiring a direct object, unlike the intransitive 'doler'.
It is a stem-changing verb: 'e' changes to 'ie' in the present and to 'i' in certain preterite and subjunctive forms.
Commonly used in news reports for accidents (physical) and in romantic or dramatic contexts for feelings (metaphorical).
The past participle 'herido' doubles as an adjective meaning 'wounded' or 'injured' and is very frequent in Spanish media.

The Spanish verb herir is a powerful and versatile word that primarily translates to 'to wound' or 'to hurt' in English. While it fundamentally describes the act of causing physical injury, its usage extends deeply into the emotional and metaphorical realms of the Spanish language. Understanding herir requires recognizing its weight; it is often more intense than the common verb doler (to ache/hurt) or lastimar (to damage/hurt). When you use herir, you are often describing a breach of integrity, whether that be the skin of a soldier or the pride of a colleague.

Physical Context: In a literal sense, it refers to causing a wound with a weapon, a sharp object, or through an accident. It is the standard verb used in medical or journalistic reports to describe casualties. For example, 'El soldado fue herido en combate' (The soldier was wounded in combat).

La bala logró herir al venado en la pata trasera, pero el animal logró escapar hacia la maleza espesa.

Emotional Context: Metaphorically, it describes the act of offending someone or causing emotional pain. It is frequently paired with nouns like 'sentimientos' (feelings), 'orgullo' (pride), or 'sensibilidad' (sensitivity). If a friend says something cruel, they might 'herir tus sentimientos'.

In daily life, you will encounter this word in news broadcasts discussing accidents or conflicts. It carries a formal tone in these contexts. However, in interpersonal relationships, it is used to express deep disappointment or the impact of harsh words. It is also a stem-changing verb (e to ie/i), which adds a layer of grammatical complexity for learners. In the present tense, it becomes hiero, and in the preterite (third person), it becomes hirió. This change reflects the dynamic and sometimes sharp nature of the word itself. Whether discussing a paper cut or a broken heart, herir is the definitive choice for describing the infliction of harm.

No era mi intención herir tu susceptibilidad con ese comentario sobre tu trabajo.

Reflexive Usage: When used reflexively (herirse), it means to hurt oneself. This is common when describing accidental injuries during activities like cooking or sports. 'Me herí el dedo con el cuchillo' (I hurt my finger with the knife).

El espadachín logró herir a su oponente en el hombro durante el duelo final.

Sus palabras frías pueden herir más que cualquier golpe físico.

Es difícil no herir a alguien cuando se dice la verdad sin filtros.

Using herir correctly involves mastering its conjugation and understanding its direct object requirement. Because it is a transitive verb, it almost always acts upon someone or something. In Spanish, when the object of the verb is a person, you must use the 'personal a'. For example, 'El gato hirió a la niña' (The cat hurt the girl). This distinguishes it from verbs that might take an indirect object or function differently syntactically. The verb is also essential in passive constructions, which are common in news reporting: 'Varios civiles resultaron heridos' (Several civilians were injured).

The Present Tense (e -> ie): In the present tense, the 'e' in the stem changes to 'ie' in all forms except 'nosotros' and 'vosotros'. Hiero, hieres, hiere, herimos, herís, hieren. This is a common pattern for many Spanish verbs, but vital for 'herir'.

Yo no hiero a las personas a propósito; a veces simplemente soy demasiado honesto.

The Preterite Tense (e -> i): In the preterite, the stem change is 'e' to 'i', but only in the third-person singular and plural. Hirió, hirieron. The other forms remain regular: herí, heriste, herimos, heristeis.

El fragmento de vidrio hirió gravemente al trabajador en el brazo derecho.

When discussing emotional harm, herir is often followed by 'los sentimientos de...' or 'el orgullo de...'. It is also common to see it in the subjunctive when expressing doubt or desire about not hurting someone. 'Espero que mis palabras no te hieran' (I hope my words don't hurt you). This usage is frequent in apologies or delicate conversations. Furthermore, the adjective herido (wounded) is derived from this verb and is used with estar to describe a state or ser in passive voice actions.

Si decides irte, vas a herir profundamente a tu familia.

Infinitive Phrases: Often used after modal verbs like 'poder' or 'querer'. 'No quiero herirte' (I don't want to hurt you). Note how the pronoun can be attached to the infinitive.

¿Cómo pudiste herir a alguien que te ha dado tanto apoyo?

El sol puede herir tus ojos si los miras directamente sin protección.

In the real world, herir is a staple of both high-stakes journalism and intimate emotional dialogue. If you turn on a Spanish-language news channel like Univision or RTVE, you will hear the word herido (the past participle/adjective) constantly. News anchors use it to report on traffic accidents, natural disasters, or political protests. Phrases like 'quince personas resultaron heridas' (fifteen people were injured) are standard. In this context, herir provides a factual, serious tone that describes physical trauma.

The Newsroom: Reporting on crime or war relies heavily on this verb. It differentiates between those who died (fallecidos) and those who were merely injured (heridos). It's a key word for understanding safety alerts or emergency broadcasts.

El informe policial indica que el sospechoso intentó herir al oficial durante la persecución.

Soap Operas and Dramas: In the world of 'telenovelas', herir is used almost exclusively for emotional betrayal. Characters will scream, '¡Me has herido en lo más profundo de mi alma!' (You have hurt me in the deepest part of my soul!). It adds a layer of gravity and poetic suffering to the dialogue.

You will also hear it in professional settings, specifically regarding 'herir sensibilidades'. This is the Spanish equivalent of 'offending someone's sensibilities' or 'being politically incorrect'. If a marketing campaign is risky, a consultant might warn, 'Esto podría herir la sensibilidad de nuestro público objetivo'. This shows the word's utility in formal, strategic discussions. Finally, in sports, while 'lesionarse' is more common for muscle strains, herir might be used for more violent or external impacts, such as a player being 'herido' by a projectile thrown from the stands.

La canción habla de un hombre que no quiere herir a su pareja al decirle que ya no la ama.

Durante las fiestas de San Fermín, varios corredores suelen resultar heridos por los toros.

Es una película cruda que puede herir la sensibilidad de los espectadores más jóvenes.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make is confusing herir with doler. In English, 'to hurt' covers both 'I hurt you' (action) and 'my head hurts' (sensation). In Spanish, these are strictly separated. Herir is an action performed on an object; doler is a sensation experienced by a subject. You cannot say 'Me hiere la cabeza' to mean your head aches; you must say 'Me duele la cabeza'. Using herir in this context suggests someone is actively stabbing your head with a knife.

Stem-Change Confusion: Many learners forget the 'e' to 'i' change in the preterite. They might say 'herió' instead of 'hirió'. Remember, the 'i' change happens in the 'basement' of the conjugation chart (third person singular and plural) for -ir verbs that have a stem change.

Error: El accidente herió a tres personas. Correct: El accidente hirió a tres personas.

Herir vs. Lastimar: While often interchangeable, 'lastimar' is more common for minor injuries or general 'hurting'. 'Herir' is more formal and implies a more serious or specific 'wound'. If you trip and scrape your knee, 'lastimarse' is better. If you are shot, 'herir' is the appropriate term.

Another mistake involves the reflexive 'se'. Beginners often forget to use 'se' when they hurt themselves accidentally. Saying 'Herí mi mano' sounds like you intentionally wounded your hand as an external object. Saying 'Me herí la mano' is the natural way to say 'I hurt my hand'. Furthermore, ensure you don't confuse herir with hervir (to boil). They sound similar, but boiling your feelings (hervir sentimientos) is a very different image from hurting them (herir sentimientos)!

¡Cuidado! No te vayas a herir con esas tijeras tan afiladas que tienes ahí.

A veces, el silencio puede herir mucho más que una respuesta negativa.

Él no quería herir el orgullo de su padre al rechazar el negocio familiar.

Spanish is rich with verbs that describe harm, and choosing the right one depends on the intensity and nature of the injury. Herir is your 'middle-ground' serious verb. However, for everyday bumps and bruises, lastimar is the king of colloquial Spanish. If you are talking about a medical injury like a sprain or a fracture, lesionar is the professional term used by doctors and sports commentators. Understanding these nuances will make your Spanish sound much more native and precise.

Herir vs. Lastimar: 'Herir' usually implies a breach of the skin or a deep emotional blow. 'Lastimar' is broader and can refer to any kind of physical damage or emotional upset, often less severe. In many Latin American countries, 'lastimar' is used where Spaniards might prefer 'hacer daño'.

Herir vs. Ofender: While 'herir' describes the result (the wound), 'ofender' describes the social or moral breach. If someone insults you, they 'ofender' you, which might 'herir' your feelings.

Es mejor herir con la verdad que consolar con una mentira piadosa.

Herir vs. Dañar: 'Dañar' is often used for objects or reputation. You 'dañar' a car or 'dañar' someone's reputation. 'Herir' is almost exclusively for living beings (physical or emotional).

In literary contexts, you might find llagar (to cause sores) or mancillar (to stain/hurt honor). These are much more specific and formal. For learners at the A2-B1 level, sticking to herir for wounds and feelings, doler for pain, and lastimar for general accidents will cover 90% of situations. Remember that herir carries a certain poetic weight; it is the verb of the 'wounded heart' (corazón herido), making it a favorite for songwriters and poets throughout the Spanish-speaking world.

El boxeador intentó herir a su rival con un golpe directo al rostro.

No debes permitir que sus críticas logren herir tu autoestima.

La luz intensa del flash puede herir momentáneamente la vista.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The Latin root 'ferīre' is also the source of the word 'feria' (fair/holiday), because holidays were often days when people were 'struck' by religious duties or 'struck' a deal at a market.

Guide de prononciation

UK /eˈɾiɾ/

US /eˈɾiɾ/

Last syllable (oxytone/aguda).

Rime avec

vivir sentir morir decir venir salir dormir pedir

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing the 'h' (it must be silent).
Pronouncing the final 'r' like an English 'r' (it should be a light tap).
Misplacing the stress on the first syllable.
Not doing the stem change in 'hiero' (saying 'hero').
Confusing the vowel sounds in 'herir' and 'hervir'.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

Easy to recognize in context, especially in news headlines.

Écriture 4/5

Difficult due to the e->ie and e->i stem changes in different tenses.

Expression orale 3/5

Requires practice to remember the silent 'h' and the correct stress.

Écoute 3/5

Can be confused with 'hervir' (to boil) if not listening carefully.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

dolor cuerpo sentir malo arma

Apprends ensuite

lastimar lesionar cicatrizar vulnerabilidad ofensa

Avancé

mancillar vulnerar llagar conmoción traumatismo

Grammaire à connaître

Stem-change (e -> ie) in Present Indicative

Yo hiero, tú hieres, él hiere, ellos hieren.

Stem-change (e -> i) in Preterite (3rd person)

Él hirió, ellos hirieron.

Stem-change (e -> i) in Gerund

Hiriendo (hurting).

Personal 'a' with human direct objects

El coche hirió a la mujer.

Reflexive pronouns for self-inflicted harm

Me herí el pie.

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Exemples par niveau

El niño se hirió el dedo.

The boy hurt his finger.

Reflexive use (se hirió) for an accidental injury.

¿Te hirió el gato?

Did the cat hurt you?

Preterite tense, third person singular.

Tengo un brazo herido.

I have an injured arm.

'Herido' acts as an adjective here.

No quiero herirte.

I don't want to hurt you.

Infinitive with direct object pronoun 'te'.

El perro hirió al cartero.

The dog hurt the mailman.

Use of 'personal a' before 'el cartero'.

Me hiero siempre con el papel.

I always hurt myself with paper.

Present tense stem change (e -> ie).

Ella está herida.

She is injured.

Past participle 'herida' used with 'estar'.

No herimos a nadie.

We didn't hurt anyone.

Preterite 'nosotros' form (regular).

El accidente hirió a dos personas ayer.

The accident injured two people yesterday.

Preterite stem change (e -> i) in 'hirió'.

Sus palabras hirieron mis sentimientos.

His words hurt my feelings.

Metaphorical use with 'sentimientos'.

Si no tienes cuidado, te vas a herir.

If you aren't careful, you are going to hurt yourself.

Periphrastic future (ir a + infinitive).

El soldado volvió herido de la guerra.

The soldier returned wounded from the war.

'Herido' as a predicative adjective.

No herí a tu hermano a propósito.

I didn't hurt your brother on purpose.

Preterite first person singular.

Esa broma puede herir a mucha gente.

That joke can hurt many people.

Modal verb 'poder' + infinitive.

Me hirieron en la pierna durante el partido.

They hurt me in the leg during the game.

Preterite third person plural (hirieron).

Es fácil herir el orgullo de un artista.

It's easy to hurt an artist's pride.

Infinitive used as a subject phrase.

Espero que mi opinión no hiera a nadie.

I hope my opinion doesn't hurt anyone.

Present subjunctive (e -> ie).

Se hirió gravemente al caer de la bicicleta.

He was seriously injured falling from the bicycle.

Reflexive preterite with adverb 'gravemente'.

La noticia hirió profundamente a la comunidad.

The news deeply hurt the community.

Abstract direct object 'la comunidad'.

Si me hubieras dicho la verdad, no me habrías herido.

If you had told me the truth, you wouldn't have hurt me.

Third conditional (si + pluperfect subjunctive).

Varios manifestantes resultaron heridos por la policía.

Several protesters were injured by the police.

Passive construction with 'resultar'.

No entiendo por qué quieres herir mis sentimientos.

I don't understand why you want to hurt my feelings.

Interrogative 'por qué' with infinitive.

Él siempre hiere a los que más lo quieren.

He always hurts those who love him the most.

Generalizing present tense.

Fue herido por una flecha en la antigüedad.

He was wounded by an arrow in ancient times.

Passive voice with 'ser'.

Sus declaraciones hirieron la susceptibilidad del gobierno.

His statements hurt the government's susceptibility.

Formal register.

El cirujano temía herir un nervio importante.

The surgeon feared hitting/hurting an important nerve.

Medical context.

Aquel desplante hirió su vanidad de manera irreversible.

That snub hurt his vanity irreversibly.

Sophisticated vocabulary (desplante, vanidad).

Incluso las verdades más necesarias pueden herir.

Even the most necessary truths can hurt.

Infinitive as a general statement.

El proyectil hirió el fuselaje del avión.

The projectile damaged/hurt the aircraft's fuselage.

Technical usage with inanimate objects.

Me duele que me hayas herido de esa forma.

It hurts me that you hurt me in that way.

Subjunctive after an expression of emotion.

Se está hiriendo a sí mismo con esa actitud negativa.

He is hurting himself with that negative attitude.

Present progressive reflexive.

La luz del sol hirió sus ojos tras horas en la cueva.

The sunlight hurt his eyes after hours in the cave.

Physical sensation of light.

La reforma laboral hiere los derechos adquiridos de los trabajadores.

The labor reform violates the acquired rights of the workers.

Legal/Political metaphor.

Su prosa es tan afilada que hiere la conciencia del lector.

His prose is so sharp that it wounds the reader's conscience.

Literary metaphor.

El frío intenso parecía herir la piel como si fueran agujas.

The intense cold seemed to hurt the skin like needles.

Simile using 'herir'.

No conviene herir al adversario cuando ya está derrotado.

It is not wise to wound the adversary when he is already defeated.

Strategic/Formal usage.

Un grito desgarrador hirió el silencio de la noche.

A harrowing scream pierced/hurt the silence of the night.

Poetic/Atmospheric usage.

Se dice que el tiempo todo lo cura, pero algunas heridas siguen hiriendo.

It is said that time heals all, but some wounds keep hurting.

Play on words (herida/herir).

El veredicto hirió la reputación de la empresa para siempre.

The verdict hurt the company's reputation forever.

Corporate/Legal context.

Hablar sin pensar es una forma segura de herir sensibilidades.

Speaking without thinking is a sure way to offend sensibilities.

Gerund phrase as subject.

La belleza de aquel paisaje hería la vista por su desmesurada perfección.

The beauty of that landscape hurt the eyes because of its excessive perfection.

Hyperbolic poetic usage.

Sus palabras, cargadas de cinismo, hirieron en lo más vivo a su interlocutor.

His words, laden with cynicism, cut his interlocutor to the quick.

Idiomatic expression 'herir en lo más vivo'.

El autor busca herir la complacencia de la burguesía con su obra.

The author seeks to wound the complacency of the bourgeoisie with his work.

Social/Philosophical critique.

Ninguna herida hiere tanto como la de la traición inesperada.

No wound hurts as much as that of unexpected betrayal.

Philosophical maxim.

La luz cenital hería las sombras, revelando los secretos del desván.

The zenithal light pierced/hurt the shadows, revealing the attic's secrets.

Highly descriptive/Literary.

Resulta ocioso herir a quien ya no posee defensa alguna.

It is futile to wound someone who no longer has any defense.

Formal/Academic syntax.

El ultraje hirió el honor de la familia, exigiendo una reparación inmediata.

The outrage wounded the family's honor, demanding immediate reparation.

Archaic/Formal context.

Hiriendo el aire con su canto, el ave anunció la llegada del invierno.

Piercing the air with its song, the bird announced winter's arrival.

Participle phrase for poetic effect.

Collocations courantes

herir de gravedad

herir los sentimientos

herir el orgullo

herir la sensibilidad

herir de muerte

herir accidentalmente

herir profundamente

herir con un arma

herir la vista

herir los intereses

Phrases Courantes

herir en lo más vivo

— To hurt someone deeply where they are most sensitive. It is like 'cutting to the quick'.

Esa crítica sobre su madre lo hirió en lo más vivo.

resultar herido

— To end up injured. This is the standard passive way to say someone was hurt in an event.

Cinco personas resultaron heridas en la explosión.

herida de bala

— A gunshot wound. Used frequently in crime news or medical contexts.

La víctima presentaba una herida de bala en el hombro.

herida abierta

— An open wound. Literally a physical cut, or metaphorically an unresolved problem.

La guerra dejó una herida abierta en el corazón del país.

herir el amor propio

— To hurt someone's self-esteem or self-love. Similar to hurting pride.

Perder el empleo hirió su amor propio.

caer herido

— To fall wounded. Often used in descriptions of battles or sudden attacks.

El capitán cayó herido al inicio del combate.

herir de palabra

— To hurt someone using only words. Differentiates from physical violence.

A veces se puede herir de palabra más que con un golpe.

herida leve

— A minor or slight injury. Used in official reports.

Afortunadamente, solo sufrió una herida leve en la frente.

herir la susceptibilidad

— To offend someone's delicate feelings or touchy nature.

Tratamos de no herir la susceptibilidad de los vecinos.

estar herido

— To be in a wounded state. Describes the condition of the person.

El animal está herido y necesita ayuda veterinaria.

Souvent confondu avec

herir vs hervir

Hervir means to boil. They share similar stems in some conjugations (hiervo vs hiero).

herir vs doler

Doler is the sensation of pain; herir is the action of causing a wound.

herir vs lastimar

Lastimar is more common for minor or general 'hurting' in Latin America.

Expressions idiomatiques

"herir de muerte"

— To deal a fatal blow, either literally or to a project/relationship.

La crisis económica hirió de muerte a la pequeña empresa.

literary/formal

"poner el dedo en la herida"

— To touch upon a sensitive or painful subject for someone.

Juan puso el dedo en la herida al preguntar por su exesposa.

informal

"hacerse el herido"

— To play the victim or act as if one's feelings are hurt to gain sympathy.

No te hagas el herido, tú sabes que tuviste la culpa.

informal

"herir susceptibilidades"

— To offend people's sensitivities, often by being blunt or controversial.

El director no quería herir susceptibilidades con el nuevo guion.

neutral

"abrir viejas heridas"

— To bring up past painful memories or conflicts.

Volver al pueblo solo sirvió para abrir viejas heridas.

neutral

"lamerse las heridas"

— To retreat and recover after a defeat or setback.

Tras perder las elecciones, el partido se retiró a lamerse las heridas.

informal

"herida que no cierra"

— A persistent problem or emotional pain that doesn't go away.

La pérdida de su hijo es una herida que no cierra.

literary

"dar en el clavo y herir"

— To hit the mark in a way that causes pain because it is true.

Su crítica dio en el clavo y me hirió profundamente.

informal

"herir el ala"

— To discourage or weaken someone's ambitions or spirits.

Ese fracaso le hirió el ala y dejó de intentar ser músico.

poetic

"sangrar por la herida"

— To show resentment or pain regarding a specific past event.

Todavía sangra por la herida de aquel despido injusto.

informal

Facile à confondre

herir vs hervir

Similar spelling and stem changes.

Hervir is for liquids at high temperatures; herir is for causing wounds. You boil (hierve) water, but a knife wounds (hiere).

El agua hierve a cien grados; el cuchillo hiere la piel.

herir vs doler

Both translate to 'to hurt' in English.

Doler is used for the feeling of pain (intransitive-like). Herir is used for the act of inflicting a wound (transitive).

Me duele la pierna porque el golpe me hirió.

herir vs lastimar

Synonyms for 'to hurt'.

Lastimar is more colloquial and broad. Herir is more formal and specific to lesions or deep emotional blows.

Me lastimé con la mesa vs. El soldado fue herido en combate.

herir vs dañar

Both mean causing harm.

Dañar is usually for objects, health, or systems. Herir is for living beings' bodies or feelings.

El granizo dañó el coche; la piedra hirió al pájaro.

herir vs ofender

Both used for social/emotional harm.

Ofender is the social act of being rude. Herir is the internal emotional result of that act.

Me ofendió su tono y eso hirió mis sentimientos.

Structures de phrases

[Subject] se hirió [Body Part].

Juan se hirió la mano.

[Subject] hirió a [Person] sin querer.

Yo herí a mi amigo sin querer.

No quiero que [Subject] hiera a [Person].

No quiero que mi perro hiera al gato.

[Event] hirió gravemente a [Number] personas.

El incendio hirió gravemente a cinco personas.

[Abstract Noun] hiere la [Abstract Noun].

Su cinismo hiere la convivencia.

Hiriendo [Object], [Subject] [Verb].

Hiriendo el silencio, el trueno retumbó.

[Subject] resultó herido en [Place/Event].

Él resultó herido en la calle.

[Words] hirieron mi [Emotion].

Tus gritos hirieron mi orgullo.

Famille de mots

Noms

herida (wound)

herido/a (injured person)

hiriente (hurting/offensive remark)

Verbes

herir (to wound)

herirse (to hurt oneself)

Adjectifs

herido (wounded)

hiriente (cutting/stinging)

vulnerable (vulnerable - related concept)

Apparenté

lesión

cicatriz

dolor

daño

ofensa

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

High, especially in media and dramatic literature.

Erreurs courantes

Me hiere la cabeza. → Me duele la cabeza.
You use 'doler' for aches and 'herir' for wounds/actions of harming.
El accidente herió a mucha gente. → El accidente hirió a mucha gente.
In the preterite third person, the 'e' must change to 'i'.
No quiero herir tú. → No quiero herirte.
Direct object pronouns must be used correctly with the verb.
Él hirió el coche. → Él dañó el coche.
Herir is for living things; dañar is for objects.
Estoy heriendo la cebolla. → Estoy hirviendo la cebolla.
Confusion between 'herir' (to wound) and 'hervir' (to boil).

Astuces

Master the Stem Change

Remember the 'basement' rule for the preterite: only the third-person forms change 'e' to 'i' (hirió, hirieron). The rest are regular.

Use with 'Resultar'

In formal contexts, use 'resultar herido' to describe someone getting injured. It sounds much more professional than just saying 'él se hirió'.

Emotional Nuance

When you want to say something was 'cutting' or 'offensive', use the adjective 'hiriente'. Example: 'Un comentario hiriente'.

Silent H

Never pronounce the 'h'. Treat the word as if it started with 'e'. This is a common mistake for English speakers.

Personal 'a'

Because 'herir' usually acts on people, don't forget the 'a'. 'Hirió a su amigo', not 'Hirió su amigo'.

Herir vs. Doler

Think of 'herir' as the verb of the knife and 'doler' as the verb of the brain feeling the pain.

News Vocabulary

If you read 'herido leve', it means minor injuries. 'Herido grave' means serious injuries. This is vital for news comprehension.

Injury Connection

Associate 'herir' with 'inherent injury'. An injury is inherent to the act of herir.

Poetic License

Don't be afraid to use 'herir' metaphorically. Spanish speakers use it often for pride, soul, and feelings.

Avoid 'Hervir' Confusion

Double check if you are talking about cooking or hurting. 'Hierve el agua' (boil water) vs 'Hiere el alma' (hurts the soul).

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of the word 'He-Rear'. If a horse kicks 'He' in the 'Rear', it will 'herir' (wound) him. Remember the 'h' is silent!

Association visuelle

Imagine a red heart with a small, clean cut in it, representing both the physical and emotional 'herida'.

Word Web

herida sangre dolor sentimientos arma accidente médico venda

Défi

Try to use 'herir' in three different ways today: once for a physical accident, once for an emotional hurt, and once in the passive 'resultar herido'.

Origine du mot

Derived from the Latin verb 'ferīre', which means 'to strike', 'to hit', or 'to knock'. This Latin root is also found in English words like 'interfere' (to strike between).

Sens originel : To strike or hit with force, eventually evolving into the more specific meaning of causing a wound.

Romance (Indo-European).

Contexte culturel

Be careful when using 'herir' regarding social groups or identities ('herir sensibilidades'); it's a formal way to discuss offense.

English speakers often use 'hurt' for everything. In Spanish, remember to use 'herir' for wounds and 'doler' for aches to avoid sounding unnatural.

San Juan de la Cruz's 'Llama de amor viva' mentions the 'cauterio suave' that 'hiere' the soul. The phrase 'Herido de muerte' is a common title for dramatic films and novels. García Lorca often used the imagery of 'heridas' in his poetry to represent the suffering of Andalusia.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Medical/Emergency

¿Dónde le hirieron?
Está herido de gravedad.
La herida necesita puntos.
No toque la zona herida.

Interpersonal Conflict

Me has herido mucho.
No era mi intención herirte.
Tus palabras hieren.
Siento haber herido tu orgullo.

News/Journalism

Resultaron heridos en el acto.
El agresor hirió a tres personas.
Traslado de los heridos al hospital.
Cifras de muertos y heridos.

Sports

El jugador cayó herido.
Se hirió en el tobillo.
Una entrada que pudo herir.
Baja por estar herido.

Literature/Poetry

Un alma herida.
Herir el aire.
La flecha de Cupido me hirió.
Herida de amor.

Amorces de conversation

"¿Alguna vez te has herido haciendo algún deporte extremo?"

"¿Crees que es posible herir a alguien sin querer con la verdad?"

"¿Qué haces cuando alguien hiere tus sentimientos profundamente?"

"¿Has visto alguna noticia hoy sobre personas que resultaron heridas?"

"¿Es peor herir el orgullo o herir los sentimientos de una persona?"

Sujets d'écriture

Describe una vez que te heriste físicamente por accidente. ¿Qué pasó?

Escribe sobre una situación en la que alguien hirió tus sentimientos. ¿Cómo reaccionaste?

¿Es posible 'herir' a una sociedad con una decisión política? Explica tu punto de vista.

Reflexiona sobre la frase: 'A veces el silencio hiere más que las palabras'.

Imagina que eres un médico en una zona de conflicto. Describe un día tratando a los heridos.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No. 'Doler' is like 'to ache' or 'to feel pain' (Me duele la cabeza). 'Herir' is 'to wound' or 'to inflict an injury' (El cristal me hirió). You use 'herir' when there is an active cause of a wound.

No, it is highly irregular. It has a stem change e -> ie in the present (hiero) and e -> i in the preterite 3rd person (hirió) and all subjunctive forms (hiera).

Yes, absolutely! It is very common in songs and literature to say 'me has herido el corazón' (you have wounded my heart).

'Herido' usually implies a wound, cut, or external trauma. 'Lesionado' is more common for internal medical issues like sprains or muscle tears, especially in sports.

You use the reflexive form: 'Me herí'. If you specify the body part, you say 'Me herí la mano' (I hurt my hand).

No, the 'h' is always silent in Spanish. The word starts with the 'e' sound.

Use 'lastimar' for everyday minor accidents (tripping, bumping into a table). Use 'herir' for more serious wounds (cuts, weapons) or deep emotional offenses.

It takes a direct object. 'La bala hirió al hombre'. 'Al hombre' is the direct object (with the personal 'a').

The gerund is 'hiriendo'. Notice the 'e' changes to 'i'.

Rarely. It is almost always for people or animals. For objects, use 'dañar' or 'romper'.

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