Using 'moría' vs. 'murió'

'Murió' is a form of the verb 'morir' (to die) used for a completed action in the past. It tells you that someone or something died at a specific point, and that event is completely over. Think of it as a snapshot of a past event.

A Specific, Finished Past Action

While 'murió' is perfectly correct, in many situations, especially when speaking about someone you knew, it's common to use 'falleció' (passed away) as a softer, more respectful alternative.

A Softer Alternative

Extremely common. Used to talk about the literal death of a person, animal, or the end of a thing.

In these exaggerated, figurative phrases, you'll very often see 'se murió' instead of just 'murió'. For example, 'Se murió de la risa'. Adding 'se' (from the verb 'morirse') makes it sound more personal and intense, like it really happened to them.

Adding 'se' for Emphasis

Common in informal speech to exaggerate an emotion or feeling.

Learn the meaning of 'murió' in Spanish. See full conjugations for the verb 'morir', examples of literal and figurative use, and common mistakes to avoid.

murió

Complete Conjugation Tables

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

future

imperfect

conditional

preterite

imperative

negative

affirmative

subjunctive

present

imperfect

Practice Conjugations