Spanish word

corporal

Pronunciation

IPA/koɾpoˈɾal/

Meaning

  • adjectivephysical

Example

Hubo lesiones corporales tras el accidente.

There were physical injuries after the accident.

Illustration for corporal (physical)

More examples

En muchos países el castigo corporal ha sido objeto de debate.

In many countries corporal punishment has been the subject of debate.

Core concept

The body's tangible, material condition (skin, muscles, injuries).

Common phrases

  • castigo corporal

    corporal punishment

  • lesión corporal

    bodily injury

Similar words

físico: Concrete physical properties and the body's appearance matter in everyday life.
carnal: Bodily flesh and sexual longing are expressions of sensual impulses.

Definition in Spanish

Se refiere a lo físico o material del cuerpo, en contraste con lo mental o espiritual.

Word origin

It derives from Latin corpus 'body' plus the suffix -alis through medieval Latin and denotes what is bodily rather than mental.

Usage tips

  • In everyday Spanish físico often replaces corporal for 'physical', while corporal is more typical in medical, legal, or formal contexts.

Other meanings

  • corporealadjective

Opposites

  • espiritualspiritualadjective
  • incorpóreoincorporealadjective

Related words

  • corpóreocorporealadjective

Word lists with this word