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.
How Dying & Death is Expressed in Spanish
If someone in your Mexican community is dying or has recently died, you may hear a form of the noun, la muerte, or the irregular verb, morir. For example, ella está muriendo (she is dying), or ella ha muerto (she has died). You might hear the verb used reflexively, ella se está muriendo.
Just as in the US, Mexicans will sometimes use synonyms for death, perceived as some by softer or more polite.
Ella ha fallecido, she has passed away. (v. fallar)
Ella ha partido, she has left. (v. partir)
Ella ha pasado a mejor vida, She has passed to a better life. (v. pasar)
The verb ‘fallar’ translates in dictionaries as ‘to fail’ but does not have the same exact meaning (and negative connotation) that ‘failing’ has in the English language. You will often hear the deceased described as una persona fallecido, a deceased person or un ser querido fallecido, a deceased loved one.
Mexicans will also use the verb morir in a lighter sense, just as English-speakers use ‘to die’ when being dramatic. For example, me muero de hambre (or me estoy muriendo de hambre) means ‘I’m dying of hunger,’ and not in a literal sense.
If you hear someone say, la familia está de luto, the family is in mourning, they may be asking for space. To send your condolences, keep reading.
What To Say in Spanish When Someone Dies
When someone in your Mexican community dies, the following phrases of sympathy 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
Helpful End-of-Life Words & Phrases In Spanish
Advanced Directive - Directiva Anticipada, Voluntad Anticipada
Aging, to Grow Old - Envejecimiento, Envejecer
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
Did we miss something on this list? What words or phrases do you find yourself using most often? Add them in the comments below.
