Inconsciente is an adjective and can also function as a noun.
Phonetic Transcription
/iŋ.koɱ.si.ˈen.te/
Translation Options into English
Unconscious
Inadvertent
Irresponsible (when used as an adjective)
Meaning and Usage
In Spanish, inconsciente refers to a state of not being aware of one's thoughts, feelings, or actions; it can signify both a lack of consciousness (as in a medical or psychological context) and an inadvertent or irresponsible action (as in everyday language). It may also be used to describe someone who acts without being aware of the consequences of their actions.
The word is fairly common in both oral speech and written contexts, though it may appear more frequently in medical or psychological discussions.
Example Sentences
La persona estaba inconsciente después del accidente. The person was unconscious after the accident.
Es inconsciente manejar sin prestar atención a la carretera. It is irresponsible to drive without paying attention to the road.
Ella tomó decisiones inconscientes durante su juventud. She made unconscious decisions during her youth.
Idiomatic Expressions
The word inconsciente is commonly used in various idiomatic expressions in Spanish. Here are examples:
Estar inconsciente: Usado para indicar que alguien está en un estado de inconsciencia.
Ella estaba tan cansada que se quedó inconsciente en el sofá. She was so tired that she fell unconscious on the couch.
Ser inconsciente: Describir a alguien que actúa sin pensar en las consecuencias.
No seas inconsciente; piensa antes de actuar. Don't be irresponsible; think before you act.
Inconsciente de: No ser consciente de algo.
Estaba inconsciente de los riesgos al cruzar la calle. He was unaware of the risks when crossing the street.
Inconsciente de sus acciones: Actuar sin reconocer el impacto de lo que se hace.
Ella es inconsciente de sus acciones y cómo afectan a los demás. She is unaware of her actions and how they affect others.
Etymology
The word inconsciente comes from the prefix "in-", meaning "not," combined with "consciente," which means "conscious." Therefore, it literally translates to "not conscious." The roots are derived from Latin inconscientem, where 'conscious' relates to awareness of one's environment and self.
Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms:
Inadvertido (inadvertent)
Irresponsable (irresponsible)
Desatento (unattentive)
Antonyms:
Consciente (conscious)
Atento (attentive)
Responsable (responsible)
By providing a comprehensive look at the word inconsciente, this response highlights its applications in various contexts, associated idiomatic expressions, and linguistic roots, making it a valuable reference.