cuidados paliativos
/kwiˌdados paljaˈtibos/
In Spanish, hospice care is cuidados paliativos.
The term cuidados paliativos is used in both clinical settings and general conversation. It describes medical care aimed at relieving suffering rather than curing a disease, focusing on providing comfort and quality of life to people with terminal illnesses.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of cuidados (cares/care) and paliativos (palliative).
Which one should you use?
In Spanish, cuidados paliativos is the standard term used for both the medical specialty and the specific end-of-life care that English speakers often distinguish as 'hospice care'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, you may hear the term cuidados aliviantes for hospice care. In Spain, hospice care can be expressed as cuidados al final de la vida.
How does it change in a sentence?
While cuidados paliativos is the standard plural form used to describe the field or service, the singular form el cuidado paliativo can be used to refer to the concept of care itself.
How do you pronounce it?
/kwiˌdados paljaˈtibos/
Did you know?
- The adjective paliativo is sometimes used sarcastically in Spanish politics or news to describe a 'band-aid solution' that ignores a deeper systemic problem.
- While cuidados paliativos is the technical term, families may use the phrase acompañamiento to describe the emotional and spiritual act of staying with a dying loved one.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the phrase cuidados paliativos is closely tied to the concept of la muerte digna, or 'the dignified death', which is a significant legal and ethical discussion in Spain and Latin America.
Examples in context
- La familia solicitó cuidados paliativos para el abuelo.The family requested hospice care for the grandfather.
- Los cuidados paliativos ayudan a reducir el dolor.Hospice care helps to reduce pain.
- Ella prefiere recibir cuidados paliativos en su casa.She prefers to receive hospice care at her home.
Example conversation
Two people discussing a relative's medical options.
- MateoMateo, ¿sabes qué son los cuidados paliativos?Mateo, do you know what hospice care is?
- LucíaSí, Lucía, se enfocan en el confort del paciente.Yes, Lucía, they focus on the patient's comfort.
- MateoCreo que es la mejor opción para mi padre.I think it is the best option for my father.
- LucíaTienes razón, él estará más tranquilo así.You are right, he will be more peaceful that way.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry cuidados paliativos, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
