muerte
/ˈmweɾte/feminine
The English word "death" is translated into Spanish as muerte.
muerte is the most widely used and neutral noun to refer to the cessation of life. It can also be used as a name when referring to the personification of death, such as Muerte. If you want to express the act of dying in everyday conversation, the most common verb to use is morir.
Meaning: cessation of life (noun)
Which one should you use?
While muerte refers to the state of being dead, the term fallecimiento is used to refer more respectfully to a person's passing. Additionally, defunción is a formal term specifically employed in official contexts, such as on death certificates.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
muerte is a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈmweɾte/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, particularly in Mexico, people often refer to death through the colorful lens of 'La Catrina', a skeletal figure used to celebrate life rather than mourn it.
- The phrase muerte súbita is used not only for sudden biological death but also as the Spanish term for 'sudden death' in sports overtime.
- The word muerte is a close relative of the English words 'mortal' and 'mortify', as both stem from the Latin 'mortem'.
Examples in context
- Huí de la muerte.I escaped death.This example shows how to use muerte when talking about escaping it.Tatoeba #1446251 by marcelostockle, translation #18402 by CK
- No temía la muerte.He didn't fear death.This sentence demonstrates the use of muerte in the context of fear.Tatoeba #800803 by Munia, translation #297223 by CK
- Piensa en la muerte.Think about death.This is a useful way to use muerte when suggesting someone reflect upon it.Tatoeba #4752720 by DarkHollow, translation #814529 by BraveSentry
- Ella falleció ayer a causa de una enfermedad. La muerte fue inesperada.She passed away yesterday due to an illness. The death was unexpected.
- Lamentamos informarles del fallecimiento de nuestro querido abuelo.We regret to inform you of the passing of our beloved grandfather.
- La defunción del paciente se produjo a las 2 a.m.The patient's death occurred at 2 a.m.
- Nuestro perro murió después de una larga enfermedad.Our dog died after a long illness.
- El famoso músico palmará algún día, pero su música vivirá para siempre.The famous musician will kick the bucket someday, but his music will live forever.
- ¡Cuidado! Si haces eso, vas a estirar la pata.Be careful! If you do that, you'll kick the bucket.
- 434 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Javier are discussing a book about history.
- MaríaEl libro describe la muerte del rey.The book describes the death of the king.
- JavierFue una muerte muy trágica.It was a very tragic death.
- MaríaSí, ocurrió durante una guerra.Yes, it happened during a war.
- JavierEs un tema muy triste.It is a very sad topic.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “death” translations and entries muerte, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries muerte, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
