German word

physisch

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈfyːzɪʃ/

Meaning

  • adjectivephysical

Example

Nach dem Unfall hat sie starke physische Schmerzen.

After the accident, she is in severe physical pain.

Illustration for physisch (physical)

More examples

Nicht alle physischen Symptome haben eine organische Ursache.

Not all physical symptoms have an organic cause.

Core concept

A bodily sensation or material object available to the senses, unlike a thought or abstract idea.

Common phrases

  • physische Gesundheit

    physical health

  • physische Symptome

    physical symptoms

  • physische Gewalt

    physical violence

Similar words

körperlich: Concerning bodily states, sensations, or movements in everyday language.
physikalisch: Connected with the laws, forces, and phenomena of physics.
psychisch: Connected with mental states, emotions, or psychological processes.

Definition in German

Sinnlich oder materiell wahrnehmbar; nicht abstrakt oder geistig.

Word origin

German physisch comes through Latin physicus from Greek physikos, which is derived from physis, meaning nature.

Usage tips

  • For bodily conditions and pain, körperlich is often more natural in everyday German, while physisch is common in formal or technical contrasts with psychisch.

Other meanings

  • bodilyadjective

Opposites

Related words

  • physiologischphysiologicaladjective
  • physikalischphysics-relatedadjective

Word lists with this word