Lael logo

recuperación means recovery — a common term in Medical Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: November 19, 2025

🩺 Medical Spanish

recuperación

noun • /[re-koo-pe-ra-SYON]/

recovery

Example:

Su recuperación fue rápida.

His recovery was quick.

🧠 What does recuperación mean?

Recuperación refers to the process of returning to a normal state of health, mind, or strength after an illness, injury, or medical procedure. It is derived from the verb 'recuperar' (to recover). While most common in medical contexts, the term also applies more broadly to the act of getting back something that was lost, such as in 'recuperación de datos' (data recovery) or 'recuperación económica' (economic recovery).

📚 Extra examples

  • La recuperación después de la cirugía de rodilla puede llevar varios meses.
    The recovery after knee surgery can take several months.
  • El médico le recomendó descanso absoluto para una pronta recuperación.
    The doctor recommended complete rest for a speedy recovery.
  • El atleta se enfoca en la nutrición para acelerar su recuperación muscular.
    The athlete focuses on nutrition to accelerate his muscle recovery.

💡 Did You Know?

Beyond its medical use, 'recuperación' is a key term in academics. An 'examen de recuperación' is a make-up or retake exam that gives a student a chance to pass a course they previously failed. This highlights the word's core meaning of 'getting something back'—in this case, a passing grade.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "recuperación"

Synonyms: mejora, restablecimiento, convalecencia
Opposites: recaída, empeoramiento, deterioro

🔍 See more medical spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'recovery' in Spanish?
The most common and direct translation for 'recovery' in Spanish is 'recuperación'.
How do you pronounce 'recuperación' in Spanish?
The pronunciation is rreh-koo-peh-rah-SYON. The stress falls on the final syllable, which is indicated by the accent mark on the 'ó'.
How do you use 'recuperación' in a sentence?
A common phrase is: 'Te deseo una pronta recuperación', which means 'I wish you a speedy recovery'. It is often used with the verb 'estar en', as in 'El paciente está en recuperación' (The patient is in recovery).
What is the English translation of 'recuperación'?
The primary English translation of 'recuperación' is 'recovery'.
Does 'recuperación' change for gender or number?
Yes. 'Recuperación' is a feminine noun, so it uses feminine articles like 'la' (la recuperación). The plural form is 'las recuperaciones'.
Is 'recuperación' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, it is very common in everyday language, especially when discussing health and wellness. It is also frequently used in other contexts like finance, sports, and technology.
Does 'recuperación' have slang or double meanings?
No, 'recuperación' does not have significant slang meanings. Its meaning is quite literal, referring to the act of recovering something, whether it be health, a lost item, or information.
Is 'recuperación' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
No, the word 'recuperación' and its usage are consistent across Spain and Latin America.

📱 Download the App

Get reminders · Save favorites · Share words

Lael App Logo

Lael: Spanish Word of the Day

Download on the App Store