How to Say "dying" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “dying” is “muriendo” — use 'muriendo' to describe something that is currently in the process of ending its life, like a plant or an abstract concept.
muriendo
moo-ree-EN-dohmuˈɾjen̪.do
Examples
El viejo roble se está muriendo lentamente.
The old oak tree is slowly dying.
Estuvo muriendo durante meses antes de que la enfermedad lo venciera.
He was dying for months before the illness overcame him.
Forming Continuous Tenses
The word 'muriendo' is used with a form of 'estar' (like 'estoy', 'estás', 'está') to show an action happening right now or continuously: 'Está muriendo' (He/She is dying).
Irregular Gerund
Unlike most '-ir' verbs that use '-iendo' (like 'vivir' -> 'viviendo'), the verb 'morir' changes its stem vowel from O to U, making it 'muriendo'.
moribundo
mo-ree-BOON-dohmoɾiˈβundo
Examples
El animal moribundo fue rescatado por los veterinarios.
The dying animal was rescued by the veterinarians.
Observamos la luz moribunda del atardecer tras las montañas.
We watched the fading light of the sunset behind the mountains.
Es una empresa moribunda que no durará mucho más.
It is a dying company that won't last much longer.
Matching the Noun
Just like most adjectives in Spanish, this word must match the gender of what you are describing. Use 'moribundo' for masculine things and 'moribunda' for feminine things.
Placement for Drama
While it usually goes after the noun (el hombre moribundo), putting it before the noun (el moribundo hombre) makes the sentence sound more poetic or like it's from a storybook.
Confusing 'Dying' with 'Dead'
Mistake: “El gato está moribundo.”
Correction: If the cat is already gone, use 'muerto'. Use 'moribundo' only if it is still alive but very close to death.
Gerund vs. Adjective
Related Translations
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