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How to Say "corpse" in Spanish

English → Spanish

cadáver

nounB1formal
Use 'cadáver' when you specifically mean a dead human body, especially in formal or legal contexts.

Examples

La policía encontró el cadáver en el sótano de la casa abandonada.

The police found the corpse in the basement of the abandoned house.

cuerpo

KWER-po'kweɾpo

nounB1
Use 'cuerpo' when referring to a deceased body in a more general or less formal way, or when the context makes it clear you're not talking about a living person.
A simple, solemn illustration showing a figure lying completely still on the ground, partially covered by a sheet.

Examples

La policía encontró un cuerpo en el bosque.

The police found a body in the forest.

El cuerpo fue trasladado a la morgue para la autopsia.

The body was moved to the morgue for the autopsy.

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.

Distinguishing 'cadáver' from 'cuerpo'

The most common mistake is using 'cuerpo' when 'cadáver' is more appropriate. While 'cuerpo' can mean 'body' in general, 'cadáver' is the precise term for a deceased human body. Use 'cadáver' for clarity, especially in formal or sensitive situations.

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