autopsia
/auˈtobsja/feminine
The English word 'autopsy' is translated into Spanish as autopsia.
The term refers to a dissection performed on a cadaver.
Meaning: a dissection performed on a cadaver (noun)
Which one should you use?
Both autopsia and necropsia are formal ways to say 'autopsy' in Spanish.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, you may hear the term autopsia médico-legal.
How does it change in a sentence?
autopsia is a feminine noun. Its plural form is autopsias.
How do you pronounce it?
/auˈtobsja/
Did you know?
- Spanish uses the word autopsia metaphorically to describe a deep, critical analysis of a failed project or event, similar to the English 'post-mortem'.
- In legal contexts in Spain and Latin America, the 'visual exam' part of the process is often called a levantamiento del cadáver, which literally means 'lifting of the cadaver'.
- The word autopsia shares its Greek roots with 'autopsy' to mean 'seeing for oneself'. In Ancient Greek, it referred to any first-hand observation, not just the medical examination of a body.
Examples in context
- ¿Se realizó una autopsia?Was there an autopsy?This sentence is useful for asking if an autopsy was performed.Tatoeba #1247722 by marcelostockle, translation #1247064 by Scott
- Ellos malograron esa autopsia.They botched that autopsy.This sentence is useful for describing a botched autopsy.Tatoeba #5811678 by albrusgher, translation #5739349 by CM
- Aún no han terminado la autopsia.They're not done with the autopsy yet.This sentence is useful for noting that an autopsy is not yet finished.Tatoeba #7884359 by arh, translation #9179828 by DJ_Saidez
- El médico forense realizó una autopsia completa del cuerpo para determinar la causa de la muerte.The forensic doctor performed a complete autopsy on the body to determine the cause of death.
- El informe de necropsia confirmó que la muerte fue causada por envenenamiento.The necropsy report confirmed that the death was caused by poisoning.
- El veterinario realizó una necropsia al animal para determinar las causas del fallecimiento.The veterinarian performed an autopsy on the animal to determine the causes of death.
- Recuerdo cuando vi un programa de televisión sobre autopsias médicas. Fue realmente impactante.I remember watching a TV program about medical autopsies. It was really shocking.
- En la serie de detectives que vi, siempre resolvían los casos gracias a las autopsias forenses.In the detective series I watched, they always solved the cases thanks to forensic autopsies.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and Lucía are discussing a news report in a café.
- MateoLa autopsia confirmará la causa de muerte.The autopsy will confirm the cause of death.
- LucíaEspero que el informe sea pronto.I hope the report is ready soon.
- MateoEl forense está trabajando en ella.The forensic doctor is working on it.
- LucíaEntiendo, es un proceso lento.I see, it is a slow process.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “autopsy” translations and entries autopsia, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries autopsia, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
