Spanish word

esquela

Pronunciation

IPA/esˈkela/

Meaning

  • feminine nounobituary

Example

Leí la esquela en el periódico.

I read the obituary in the newspaper.

Illustration for esquela (obituary)

More examples

La familia publicó una esquela para informar de su fallecimiento.

The family published an obituary to inform of their death.

Core concept

Short printed notice that announces a person's death and lists funeral arrangements.

Common phrases

  • poner una esquela

    place an obituary

  • publicar una esquela

    publish an obituary

  • recibir una esquela

    receive an obituary

Similar words

aviso fúnebre: Family notice giving the funeral's date, time, and place.
obituario: Tribute article in a newspaper or magazine recounting the deceased's life.
necrología: Short death notice reporting the passing and a concise biographical line.
fallecimiento: Fact or occurrence of a person's death.

Definition in Spanish

Aviso breve y por escrito que anuncia la muerte de una persona e indica datos prácticos sobre el velatorio o el funeral.

Word origin

From Latin schedula 'small paper', esquela keeps the idea of a short written slip and names the formal printed notice announcing a death and practical details about the wake or funeral.

Usage tips

  • In everyday speech Spaniards often say falleció or nos dejó, while esquela refers specifically to the formal written notice in newspapers or church bulletins.

Other meanings

  • death noticenoun

Opposites

  • nacimientobirthnoun
  • anuncio de nacimientobirth announcementnoun

Word lists with this word