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How to Say "physical" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “physical” is “físico” — use 'físico' when talking about the body in a general sense, especially concerning health, exercise, or physical appearance..

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físico

adjectiveA1general
Use 'físico' when talking about the body in a general sense, especially concerning health, exercise, or physical appearance.

Examples

El ejercicio físico es importante para la salud.

Physical exercise is important for health.

corporal

/kohr-poh-RAHL//koɾpoˈɾal/

adjectiveB1general
Choose 'corporal' when referring specifically to the body as opposed to the mind or spirit, often used in contexts like expression or punishment.
A simple illustration of a person stretching their arms and legs, emphasizing the human body.

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.

manual

mah-NWAHL/maˈnwal/

adjectiveA1general
Use 'manual' when describing work or effort that involves using your hands or physical strength, rather than mental effort.
A pair of hands holding knitting needles and brightly colored yarn, actively creating a piece of fabric.

Examples

El trabajo manual es muy agotador.

Manual labor is very exhausting.

Prefiero la transmisión manual en los coches antiguos.

I prefer manual transmission in old cars.

Hicimos una limpieza manual de todas las piezas pequeñas.

We did a manual cleaning of all the small parts.

Adjective Form

As an adjective, 'manual' is one of the words ending in -l that stays the same whether the noun is masculine or feminine (e.g., 'el trabajo manual' and 'la caja manual').

natural

/nah-too-RAHL//na.tuˈɾal/

adjectiveA1general
Employ 'natural' when referring to physical aspects of the environment, like landscapes, phenomena, or forces not created by humans.
A single, vibrant green leaf covered in sparkling morning dew drops, emphasizing freshness and nature.

Examples

El parque es famoso por sus paisajes naturales.

The park is famous for its natural landscapes.

Prefiero comer fruta natural en vez de dulces.

I prefer to eat natural fruit instead of sweets.

La caída de una manzana es un fenómeno natural.

The falling of an apple is a natural phenomenon.

Adjective Placement

'Natural' usually goes after the noun it describes, emphasizing a quality, like 'agua natural' (natural water).

Físico vs. Corporal

Learners often confuse 'físico' and 'corporal'. Remember that 'físico' is the general term for body and health (like 'physical exercise'), while 'corporal' specifically contrasts the body with the mind or spirit (like 'body language').

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