cuidados paliativos
/kwiˌdados paljaˈtibos/masculine, plural
Palliative care in Spanish is cuidados paliativos.
This term refers to a specialized area of healthcare.
Meaning: specialized area of healthcare (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the noun cuidados (cares/care) and the adjective paliativos (palliative).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, the term cuidados paliativos is more prevalent than atención paliativa.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because cuidados is a masculine plural noun, the adjective paliativos must also be in the masculine plural form to agree with it. While the plural cuidados paliativos is the standard way to refer to the medical field, the singular el cuidado paliativo can be used to refer to the concept of care itself.
How do you pronounce it?
/kwiˌdados paljaˈtibos/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, the phrase is part of a broader, culturally specific discussion on 'el buen morir', or 'the good death', which is a common way to discuss end-of-life dignity.
- In a non-medical context, calling a solution paliativo might actually be a criticism. It implies that a person is only masking the symptoms of a problem rather than fixing its actual cause.
- The noun cuidados is a versatile word that means both 'care' and 'caution', which is why a driver is told to tener cuidado.
Examples in context
- El hospital ofrece atención paliativa a pacientes terminales.The hospital provides palliative care to terminal patients.
- La paciente recibirá cuidados de confort durante su lucha contra el cáncer.The patient will receive comfort care during her battle against cancer.
- El paciente requiere cuidados paliativos para controlar el dolor.The patient requires palliative care to control the pain.
- Los cuidados paliativos ayudan a reducir el dolor.Palliative care helps to reduce pain.
- Ella trabaja en la unidad de cuidados paliativos.She works in the palliative care unit.
- Buscamos información sobre los cuidados paliativos para el paciente.We are looking for information about palliative care for the patient.
Example conversation
Two people are discussing a family member's medical options.
- SofíaJavier, ¿qué opinas sobre los cuidados paliativos?Javier, what do you think about palliative care?
- JavierCreo que sería lo mejor para él.I think it would be the best for him.
- SofíaEl médico dice que ayudan mucho.The doctor says they help a lot.
- JavierEntonces, busquemos un centro especializado.Then, let's look for a specialized center.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “palliative care” translations and entries cuidados paliativos, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
