Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| aborto espontáneo | /aboɾto espontaneo/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| aborto | /aˈboɾto/ | masculine |
| aborto natural | /aboɾto natuɾal/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| aborto involuntario | /aˌboɾto imbolunˈtaɾjo/ | masculine |
The term refers to the natural termination of a pregnancy.
What does it mean word for word?
In the phrase aborto espontáneo, the word espontáneo literally means spontaneous, which indicates that the event occurred without external intervention.
Which one should you use?
The pack provides several ways to express this concept. Aborto espontáneo is a clinical term, while aborto is a shorter, more general form. You may also see aborto natural or aborto involuntario used to describe the same event.
How does it change in a sentence?
All provided forms for miscarriage are masculine nouns.
When do people say it?
In many Spanish-speaking cultures, it is common to use the euphemistic phrase perder el bebé instead of the clinical term aborto espontáneo when discussing a miscarriage in a sensitive or personal context.
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the word aborto is used for both a natural miscarriage and an induced abortion. This differs from English, where 'miscarriage' and 'abortion' are distinct terms.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, the term aborto can be used colloquially to describe anything that is a complete failure or a disaster.
- The word natural in aborto natural shares a root with the Latin nāscor, which means 'to be born'.
Examples in context
- El año pasado tuve un aborto.I had a miscarriage last year.This sentence shows how to use the form aborto to state that someone had a miscarriage.Tatoeba #1923501 by marcelostockle, translation #19408 by shekitten
- Según mi médico, tuve un aborto espontáneo.According to my doctor, I had a miscarriage.
- El aborto espontáneo puede ser muy doloroso.A miscarriage can be very painful.
Example conversation
Elena is talking to Javier about her recent medical news.
- ElenaTuve un aborto espontáneo la semana pasada.I had a miscarriage last week.
- JavierLo siento mucho, Elena, lo lamento de verdad.I am so sorry, Elena, I really am.
- ElenaGracias por tu apoyo, Javier.Thank you for your support, Javier.
- JavierEstoy aquí para lo que necesites.I am here for whatever you need.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “miscarriage” translations and entries aborto, aborto involuntario, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aborto, espontáneo, involuntario, natural, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
