moribundo
/moɾiˈbundo/
The English word "dying" (approaching death) is translated into Spanish as moribundo. Wiktionary also lists mortecino.
Meaning: approaching death (adj)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| moribundo | /moɾiˈbundo/ |
| mortecino | /moɾteˈθino/ /moɾteˈsino/ |
Which one should you use?
While moribundo refers specifically to a person who is near death, mortecino is used for things that are fading, such as light, colors or sounds.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In parts of Spain, the terms espicharla or espicharse are used to convey the idea of dying in a humorous manner.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective moribundo must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. You should use moribunda for feminine singular nouns, moribundos for masculine plural nouns and moribundas for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/moɾiˈbundo/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, the phrase estirar la pata is used as a colloquial way to say someone has died, literally meaning 'to stretch the leg'.
- In Spanish, the word morbo shares the same root as moribundo but has evolved to describe a specific kind of perverse or taboo curiosity toward death and tragedy.
- While you might say you are 'dying' of laughter in English, using the word moribundo in Spanish to express that feeling would sound unnervingly literal and grim rather than hyperbolic.
Examples in context
- El párroco le dio la hostia al moribundo.The parson gave the communion wafer to the dying person.This sentence shows how to use moribundo to refer to a dying person.Tatoeba #1265050 by hayastan, translation #3059520 by OJR1
- El famoso escritor falleció ayer a los 80 años de edad.The renowned writer passed away yesterday at the age of 80.
- Su abuelo murió pacíficamente mientras dormía.Her grandfather died peacefully while sleeping.
- ¡Me voy a palmar si sigo comiendo tanto!I'm going to croak if I keep eating so much!
- Me muero de ganas por ver esa película nueva.I'm dying to see that new movie.
- El hombre moribundo pidió un poco de agua.The dying man asked for a little water.
- La familia acompañó al moribundo en sus últimos momentos.The family accompanied the dying man in his final moments.
Example conversation
Two neighbors are discussing a person in the local hospital.
- María¿Has visitado al paciente moribundo?Have you visited the dying patient?
- MateoSí, fui a verlo esta mañana.Yes, I went to see him this morning.
- MaríaEs una situación muy triste para él.It is a very sad situation for him.
- MateoLo sé, María, es muy doloroso.I know, María, it is very painful.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dying” translations and entries moribundo, mortecino, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
