How to Say "body" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “body” is “cuerpo” — use 'cuerpo' for the physical structure of a person or animal, the main part of a text or building, or a dead body.
cuerpo
KWER-po'kweɾpo
Examples
Me duele todo el cuerpo después de hacer ejercicio.
My whole body hurts after exercising.
Es importante mantener el cuerpo hidratado.
It's important to keep the body hydrated.
El cuerpo del artículo explica la idea principal.
The body of the article explains the main idea.
El cuerpo de la guitarra es de madera de arce.
The body of the guitar is made of maple wood.
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).
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.
organismo
or-gah-NEES-mohoɾɣaˈnizmo
Examples
El alcohol afecta a todo el organismo.
Alcohol affects the entire body.
Cada organismo vivo necesita agua para sobrevivir.
Every living organism needs water to survive.
Los científicos descubrieron un nuevo organismo en el fondo del mar.
Scientists discovered a new organism at the bottom of the sea.
La ONU es un organismo internacional.
The UN is an international body.
Always Masculine
Even when referring to a female person's body or a generic living thing, 'organismo' is always masculine ('el organismo').
Plural Use
When talking about multiple agencies, use 'organismos'. It behaves exactly like any other regular noun ending in -o.
Body vs. Organismo
Mistake: “Using 'cuerpo' for biological systems.”
Correction: Use 'organismo' when talking about how the body functions as a chemical or biological system (e.g., how medicine affects you).
Agency Translation
Mistake: “Always using 'agencia' for government departments.”
Correction: While 'agencia' works, 'organismo' is much more common in Spanish for official government 'bodies' or 'departments'.
entidad
en-tee-DAHDentiˈðað
Examples
Esa entidad financiera ofrece préstamos con intereses bajos.
That financial entity (bank) offers loans with low interest rates.
La entidad sin fines de lucro ayuda a familias necesitadas.
The non-profit organization helps families in need.
Es una entidad pública encargada de la educación.
It is a public body in charge of education.
Feminine ending pattern
Words ending in '-dad' are almost always feminine. You should always use 'la' or 'una' with entidad.
Describing organizations
Spanish often uses 'entidad' as a generic word for any company or group when you want to sound professional or formal.
False Friend Alert: Identity
Mistake: “Using 'entidad' when you mean 'identity' (who someone is).”
Correction: Use 'identidad' for who a person is, and 'entidad' for a company or organization.
cuero
KWEH-rohˈkweɾo
Examples
Me pica el cuero después de la picadura del mosquito.
My skin is itchy after the mosquito bite.
Se jugó el cuero por su familia.
He risked his neck (life) for his family.
masa
MAH-sahˈma.sa
Examples
La masa de un objeto no cambia, sin importar dónde se encuentre.
The mass of an object does not change, regardless of where it is located.
Hay una gran masa de hielo flotando en el océano.
There is a large mass of ice floating in the ocean.
Masa vs. Peso
In science, 'masa' is the amount of matter in something, while 'peso' (weight) is the force of gravity pulling on that matter. In everyday Spanish, people often use 'peso' when they mean 'masa' (like asking '¿cuánto pesa?' instead of '¿cuál es su masa?').
volumen
boh-LOO-mehnboˈlumen
Examples
Este champú da mucho volumen al pelo.
This shampoo gives the hair a lot of volume.
Tenemos que calcular el volumen del cubo.
We have to calculate the volume of the cube.
Ese sofá ocupa mucho volumen en el salón.
That sofa takes up a lot of space in the living room.
Describing Size
Use 'mucho volumen' to describe things that are bulky or fluffy, not just things that are 'big'.
corporal
kohr-poh-RAHLkoɾpoˈɾal
Examples
La expresión corporal es muy importante en el teatro.
Body language is very important in theater.
Ella usa una crema corporal para mantener su piel suave.
She uses a body cream to keep her skin soft.
El ejercicio mejora el bienestar corporal.
Exercise improves physical well-being.
One form for all
This word doesn't change for masculine or feminine. You can say 'el ejercicio corporal' or 'la crema corporal'—it stays exactly the same!
The 'Corporal' Trap
Mistake: “Using 'corporal' to refer to a military rank.”
Correction: In Spanish, a military corporal is called a 'cabo'. 'Corporal' only refers to the human body.
físico
FEE-see-kohˈfi.si.ko
Examples
Tiene un físico muy fuerte después de ir al gimnasio.
He has a very strong physique after going to the gym.
Su físico es ideal para el baloncesto.
His build is ideal for basketball.
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).
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'.
templo
TEM-plo (Stress on the first syllable)ˈtemplo
Examples
La universidad es un templo del saber y la cultura.
The university is a temple (sanctuary) of knowledge and culture.
Cuidar de tu cuerpo es importante, es tu templo personal.
Taking care of your body is important; it is your personal temple.
Figurative Language
This meaning uses 'templo' as a metaphor, meaning a place or thing that is highly respected, important, or sacred, even if it’s not a physical building.
ente
en-teˈente
Examples
El banco central es un ente autónomo del gobierno.
The central bank is an autonomous entity of the government.
Para solicitar el crédito, debes ser un ente jurídico registrado.
To apply for the credit, you must be a registered legal entity.
Este ente se encarga de regular el comercio exterior.
This body is in charge of regulating foreign trade.
Always Masculine
The word 'ente' is always masculine, even if you are referring to an organization with a feminine name. You always say 'un ente'.
Using Adjectives
When you describe an 'ente', ensure the adjective matches its masculine form, such as 'ente regulador' (regulatory body).
Ente vs. Entidad
Mistake: “Using 'ente' for every type of business.”
Correction: Use 'entidad' or 'empresa' for general businesses. 'Ente' sounds much more official, legal, or administrative.
órgano
OR-gah-nohˈoɾɣano
Examples
La ONU es un órgano internacional importante.
The UN is an important international body.
Este periódico es el órgano oficial del partido.
This newspaper is the official outlet of the party.
El poder judicial es un órgano del Estado.
The judicial power is a branch of the State.
Abstract Use
Just like a biological organ does work for the body, an 'órgano' in government does a specific job for the country.
Avoid 'Body' for Physicality
Mistake: “El órgano humano es fuerte.”
Correction: El cuerpo humano es fuerte.
Cuerpo vs. Organismo
Related Translations
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