Adjective
/fatal/
The word "fatal" in Spanish refers to something that causes death or has dire consequences. It can describe events, decisions, illnesses, or actions that lead to a fatal outcome. It is used in both written and oral contexts, commonly appearing in news reports, legal documents, and conversations regarding accidents or decisions that carry grave consequences.
It is a relatively common term, frequently used in discussions related to health, law, and moral dilemmas. Given its gravity, it tends to be more common in written forms such as newspaper articles or legal texts, but is also prevalent in everyday conversations.
A traffic accident can be fatal if necessary precautions are not taken.
La enfermedad fue fatal para el paciente, a pesar de los tratamientos.
The illness was fatal for the patient, despite the treatments.
Esa decisión puede resultar fatal para el futuro de la empresa.
The term "fatal" appears in several idiomatic expressions, emphasizing its significance in both literal and metaphorical contexts:
Don't be fatalistic; there are many solutions to your problem.
La última palabra será fatal para todos nosotros, así que elige bien.
The final word will be fateful for all of us, so choose wisely.
Su estilo de vida es fatal, ya que ignora los signos de advertencia de su salud.
His lifestyle is deadly, as he ignores the warning signs of his health.
En esta situación, cualquier error puede ser fatal.
In this situation, any mistake could be deadly.
La combinación de factores fue fatal para la viabilidad del proyecto.
The word "fatal" originates from the Latin word "fatalis," meaning "pertaining to fate." It was derived from "fatum," which translates to "fate" or "doom." This etymological background connects the concept of fatality to inevitable outcomes.