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How to Say "physical" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “physical” is “físico” — use 'físico' when referring to the body in a general sense, health, or exercise that involves bodily movement.

English → Spanish

físico

adjectiveA1general
Use 'físico' when referring to the body in a general sense, health, or exercise that involves bodily movement.

Examples

El ejercicio físico es importante para la salud.

Physical exercise is important for health.

corporal

kohr-poh-RAHLkoɾpoˈɾal

adjectiveB1general
Use 'corporal' when the focus is on the body itself, its form, or outward appearance, often in contrast to the mind or spirit.
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-NWAHLmaˈnwal

adjectiveA1general
Choose 'manual' specifically for work or effort that is done using the hands or physical strength.
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-RAHLna.tuˈɾal

adjectiveA1general
Use 'natural' when referring to things that exist in nature, like landscapes or phenomena, rather than something created or artificial.
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).

fisiológico

adjectiveB2scientific/medical
Use 'fisiológico' when discussing the internal workings and biological functions of the body.

Examples

El sudor es un proceso fisiológico natural para enfriar el cuerpo.

Sweating is a natural physiological process to cool the body.

Físico vs. Corporal

Learners often confuse 'físico' and 'corporal'. Remember that 'físico' is broader, referring to the body and health in general (like physical exercise), while 'corporal' is more specific to the body as an entity or form (like body language).

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