How to Say "recovery" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “recovery” is “recuperación” — use this for a general return to a healthy physical state after illness or surgery, or for the retrieval of lost or deleted data and items.
Use this for a general return to a healthy physical state after illness or surgery, or for the retrieval of lost or deleted data and items.
Learn more →This term specifically refers to the process of getting better or showing signs of improvement when sick.
Learn more →Use this when focusing on the healing process of a wound or injury, emphasizing the biological mending.
Learn more →This is used for a structured program or process aimed at restoring physical or mental function, often after an injury or illness.
Learn more →This refers to the act of saving or retrieving someone or something from a dangerous or lost situation, like a rescue operation.
Learn more →Use this when referring to getting something or someone back by paying a price, like a ransom or redeeming a pledge.
Learn more →recuperación
Examples
El paciente necesita tiempo para su recuperación después de la operación.
The patient needs time for their recovery after the operation.
mejoría
Examples
Notamos una gran mejoría en su estado de salud ayer.
We noticed a great improvement in his health condition yesterday.
curación
Examples
La curación completa de la herida puede tardar varias semanas.
The complete healing of the wound may take several weeks.
rehabilitación
Examples
Ella está siguiendo un programa de rehabilitación para recuperar la movilidad.
She is following a rehabilitation program to regain mobility.
res-KAH-tehresˈka.te

Examples
El rescate de los excursionistas perdidos fue un éxito.
The rescue of the lost hikers was a success.
Los bomberos completaron el rescate de la persona atrapada.
The firefighters completed the rescue of the trapped person.
Se organizó un equipo de rescate para buscar a los excursionistas perdidos.
A rescue team was organized to search for the lost hikers.
Always Masculine
Even though it ends in '-e', 'rescate' is a masculine noun, so always use 'el rescate' or 'un rescate'.
Mixing up the Noun and Verb
Mistake: “Usar 'el rescatar' para el sustantivo.”
Correction: Use 'el rescate' (the noun) instead of 'el rescatar' (the infinitive verb used as a noun). The verb is 'rescatar'.
redención
Examples
La redención del rehén requirió el pago de un rescate considerable.
The redemption of the hostage required the payment of a considerable ransom.
Health vs. Retrieval vs. Economic Recovery
Learners often confuse 'recuperación' with 'mejoría' and 'curación'. 'Mejoría' focuses on the *process* of getting better from sickness, while 'recuperación' is the overall return to health or getting something back. 'Curación' is specifically about wound healing.
Related Translations
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