Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
Physical in Spanish: Físico
Físico · adjective · FEE-see-koh
The adjective 'physical' translates to 'físico' (masculine) or 'física' (feminine) in Spanish. It covers material/tangible things, bodily attributes, and the scientific discipline of physics. As a noun, 'el físico' can mean one's physical appearance or a physicist.
FEE-see-koh
La actividad física regular ayuda a prevenir enfermedades del corazón.
Regular physical activity helps prevent heart disease.
Physical in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for physical, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| físico | physical | FEE-see-koh | Default, widely understood |
| corporal | physical | bodily/of the body |
How Native Speakers Use Físico
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Health context
El médico me recomendó hacer ejercicio físico al menos tres veces por semana.
The doctor recommended I do physical exercise at least three times a week.
'Ejercicio físico' is the standard health recommendation phrase.
Appearance meaning
No deberías juzgar a las personas solo por su físico.
You shouldn't judge people only by their physical appearance.
As a noun, 'el físico' refers to someone's overall physical appearance.
Science subject
La física cuántica desafía nuestra comprensión intuitiva del universo.
Quantum physics challenges our intuitive understanding of the universe.
'La física' (feminine noun) is the academic discipline of physics.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Físico
Confusing adjective with science
Incorrect: Hago mucha física en el gimnasio.
Correct: Hago mucha actividad física en el gimnasio.
'La física' alone refers to the science of physics — to mean physical activity at the gym, you need the full phrase 'actividad física' or 'ejercicio físico.'
Wrong noun for doctor visit
Incorrect: Fui al doctor para un físico anual.
Correct: Fui al doctor para un examen físico anual.
English 'a physical' (meaning exam) doesn't transfer directly — Spanish requires the full term 'examen físico' because 'un físico' by itself means a physicist or someone's appearance.
Lock in Physical Vocabulary with the Parrot Method
Why word lists alone don't stick
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See Físico used by native speakers
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Common Questions About Physical in Spanish
- How do I say 'physical exam' in Spanish?
- A medical physical is called 'examen físico,' 'revisión médica,' or 'chequeo médico' depending on the country and formality level. Unlike English, you cannot simply say 'a physical' without the accompanying noun — the adjective 'físico' needs something to modify.
- What's the difference between 'físico' and 'corporal'?
- While both relate to the body, 'físico' is broader (covering anything material, tangible, or related to physics), while 'corporal' specifically means 'of the body.' Use 'corporal' for body-specific contexts like 'lenguaje corporal' (body language) or 'castigo corporal' (corporal punishment).
- Can 'físico' describe a person's body type?
- Saying someone 'tiene buen físico' means they have an attractive or fit physique. This nominal use of 'físico' to mean physical appearance or build is extremely common in conversational Spanish, appearing in dating, fitness, and everyday compliment contexts.