Spanish Words and Phrases for End of Life
When we first learn to speak Spanish the lessons are typically centered on how to introduce ourselves to strangers, order food at a restaurant, or ask where the bathroom is. I’ve yet to see a Spanish language lesson that focuses on how to talk about end of life or what to say to someone who is grieving, but why not? Just because we’re new to a language and limited to speaking like we’re three years old, doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try to tackle more mature topics. We learn by trying.
Below, you’ll find a list of words and phrases to help you build your end-of-life vocabulary. May it encourage you to practice both speaking Spanish and speaking about your end-of-life plans.
Helpful Words & Phrases to Know in Spanish
Advanced Directive - Directiva Anticipada, Voluntad Anticipada
Assisted Living, Nursing Home - Asilo de Ancianos, Casa de Descanso, Casa de Resposo, Hogare Para Ancianos
Beneficiary - Beneficiario/a
Burial - Entierro
Casket - Ataúd
Cremation - Cremación, Incineración
Death - La muerte
Death Certificate - Acta de Defunción
Dying - Morir, Muriendo
Executor - Albacea
Funeral - Funeral, Funeraria
Graveyard, Cemetery - Panteón, Cementerio
Grief - Pena, Duelo, Aflicción
Grief Counselor - Terapueta de Duelo, Consejero/a de Duelo, Tanatológico/a
Home Health Care - Asistencia Sanitaria a Domicilio, Atención a Domicilio
Hospice - Hospicio
I’m grieving - Estoy de Duelo, Estoy Afligido
Inheritor - Heredero/a
Last Will and Testament - Testamento
Living Will - Directiva Anticipada, Testamento Vital
Medical Home Health Care - Asistencia Médica a Domicilio, Atención Médica a Domicilio
Medical Proxy - Poder Médico, Representante Médico
Memorial - Conmemorativo
Memory Care - Cuidado de la Memoria
Mourning, She/He is Mourning - Luto, Ella/El Esta de Luto
Nursing Home with Memory Care Specialists - Casa de Retiro con Especialistas en Cuidado Memoria
Palliative Care - Cuidados Paliativos, Atención Paliativa, Asistencia Paliativa
Power of Attorney - Poder Notarial
Preliminary Death Certificate - Certificado de Defunción
She/He Has Died - Ella/El Ha Fallecido, Ella/El Ha Muerto
They have died - Ellos Han Fallecido, Ellos Han Muerto
Trust - Fideicomiso
Urn - Urna
What To Say When Someone Dies
When someone in your Mexican community dies, the following phrases can be helpful…
Lo siento mucho - I’m very sorry
Mi más sentido pésame para su familia - My deepest condolences to your family
Te acompaño/Estoy contigo - I’m here for you (said to a person you’re close to)
Un abrazo enorme a toda la familia - A big hug to the whole family
Que descanse(n) en paz - May s/he(they) rest in peace
Did we miss something on this list? What words or phrases do you find yourself using most often? Add them in the comments below.
