cuerpo
/KWER-po/
body
Cuerpo refers to the physical structure of a person or animal (body, physique).
cuerpo(Noun)
body
?The physical structure of a person or animal
physique
?Referring to the shape and size of a body
,frame
?Referring to the bone structure
📝 In Action
Me duele todo el cuerpo después de hacer ejercicio.
A1My whole body hurts after exercising.
Es importante mantener el cuerpo hidratado.
A2It's important to keep the body hydrated.
💡 Grammar Points
Always Masculine
Even though 'body' has no gender in English, 'cuerpo' is always a masculine word in Spanish. So, you'll always say 'el cuerpo' (the body) or 'un cuerpo' (a body).
⭐ Usage Tips
Talking About Aches and Pains
When talking about a part of your body hurting, Spanish uses 'doler'. Instead of saying 'My body hurts,' you say 'Me duele el cuerpo,' which is like saying 'The body hurts me.'
Cuerpo can also mean the main or central part of an object, like the body of a guitar or a text.
cuerpo(Noun)
body
?The main part of something, like a text or a building
main section
?The central part of anything
,fuselage
?The body of an airplane
,hull
?The body of a ship
📝 In Action
El cuerpo del artículo explica la idea principal.
B1The body of the article explains the main idea.
El cuerpo de la guitarra es de madera de arce.
B2The body of the guitar is made of maple wood.
⭐ Usage Tips
The 'Main Chunk'
Think of this meaning as the 'torso' or 'main chunk' of an object, a document, or even a vehicle. It's the central, most substantial part.
This meaning of cuerpo refers to an organized group or force, such as a fire corps or diplomatic body.
cuerpo(Noun)
corps
?A group of people with a specific job, e.g., diplomatic corps
body
?A group acting as one, e.g., a governing body
,force
?e.g., police force
📝 In Action
El cuerpo de bomberos respondió a la emergencia.
B1The fire department (fire corps) responded to the emergency.
El cuerpo docente se reunió para discutir los nuevos planes.
B2The teaching staff (faculty body) met to discuss the new plans.
⭐ Usage Tips
A 'Body' of People
This meaning refers to a group of people organized as a single unit. You'll see it in official titles for professions, like 'cuerpo de policía' (police force) or 'cuerpo de abogados del estado' (state lawyers).
Cuerpo can also be used to refer to a dead body or corpse.
cuerpo(Noun)
body
?A dead body; a corpse
corpse
?A more direct translation
,cadaver
?A more clinical or medical term
📝 In Action
La policía encontró un cuerpo en el bosque.
B1The police found a body in the forest.
El cuerpo fue trasladado a la morgue para la autopsia.
B2The body was moved to the morgue for the autopsy.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using `cadáver` vs. `cuerpo`
Mistake: "Thinking `cadáver` is the only word for a dead body."
Correction: `Cuerpo` is very frequently used, especially in news reports or by officials. `Cadáver` is correct but can sound more clinical, like 'cadaver' in English.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: cuerpo
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'cuerpo' to mean a group of people?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'cuerpo' and 'cadáver'?
'Cuerpo' is the general word for 'body,' both living and dead. 'Cadáver' specifically means a dead body (a corpse) and sounds more medical or legal. In news reports, you'll often hear 'cuerpo' used to refer to a dead person.
Is 'cuerpo' always masculine?
Yes, 'cuerpo' is always a masculine noun. You always say 'el cuerpo' (the body) or 'un cuerpo' (a body), never 'la cuerpo'.