físico
/FEE-see-koh/
physical
El estado físico se refiere a todo lo relacionado con el cuerpo y la salud.
físico(Adjective)
physical
?related to the body or health
material
?related to matter or things you can touch
,bodily
?related to the human form
📝 In Action
El ejercicio físico es importante para la salud.
A1Physical exercise is important for health.
Tuvimos una discusión física por el control remoto.
A2We had a physical argument over the remote control.
La distancia física entre las ciudades es de 50 kilómetros.
B1The physical distance between the cities is 50 kilometers.
💡 Grammar Points
Adjective Agreement
Like most Spanish adjectives, 'físico' must match the noun it describes in gender and number: 'el aspecto físico' (masculine singular), 'la fuerza física' (feminine singular), 'los problemas físicos' (masculine plural).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'físico' and 'física'
Mistake: "Using 'físico' (masculine) to describe a feminine noun: 'la salud físico'."
Correction: Use the feminine form 'física': 'la salud física' (physical health).
⭐ Usage Tips
Easy Pairings
This word is often used in health contexts, so think of phrases like 'examen físico' (physical exam) or 'bienestar físico' (physical well-being).
Un físico es un científico que estudia la materia, la energía y las fuerzas fundamentales.
📝 In Action
Mi tío es un físico que trabaja en la universidad.
B1My uncle is a physicist who works at the university.
El físico dio una conferencia sobre la energía atómica.
B2The physicist gave a lecture on atomic energy.
💡 Grammar Points
The Person vs. The Subject
Be careful: 'el físico' (masculine noun) is the male scientist. 'La física' (feminine noun) is the field of study (physics) OR a female scientist.
⭐ Usage Tips
Pronunciation Stress
Remember the accent mark on the first 'í'! This tells you where to put the stress, making it FEE-see-koh, which helps distinguish it from other related words.
El físico de una persona se refiere a su constitución o complexión corporal.
📝 In Action
Tiene un físico muy fuerte después de ir al gimnasio.
A2He has a very strong physique after going to the gym.
Su físico es ideal para el baloncesto.
B1His build is ideal for basketball.
💡 Grammar Points
Possessive Adjectives
When talking about someone's body, you often use possessive adjectives like 'su' (his/her/its) or 'mi' (my): 'su físico' (his physique).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'cuerpo' instead of 'físico'
Mistake: "While related, 'cuerpo' is the general word for 'body.' Use 'físico' when specifically describing the shape, strength, or athletic quality of the body."
Correction: Say 'Tiene un físico atlético' (athletic physique) rather than 'Tiene un cuerpo atlético'.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: físico
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'físico' as a noun referring to the body?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if 'físico' means 'physicist' or 'physique'?
If you see a person's name or a job title mentioned before 'físico' (e.g., 'El famoso físico'), it means 'physicist.' If it's used with words like 'buen' (good), 'atlético' (athletic), or 'cuidar' (to take care of), it means 'physique' or 'body build.'
Is 'físico' interchangeable with 'corporal'?
They are close, but 'corporal' almost always relates only to the human body (bodily injury, corporal punishment). 'Físico' is broader; it can relate to the body, exercise, or the laws of nature and matter.