muerto
dead
The word 'muerto' in Spanish is used similarly to the word 'dead' in English. It can refer to an unresponsive or non-functional item or device, or tragically, to a deceased life form. It can also figuratively be used to describe a person as being extremely tired. 'Muerto' works in contexts where something has ceased to exist or function.
Example sentences using: muerto
El pescado está muerto.
The fish is dead.
This is a simple sentence stating a fact about the fish - the fish is no longer alive. 'Está' is used here to describe a temporary state of the fish, not a characteristic. 'Muerto' means dead.
Mi teléfono está muerto.
My phone is dead.
In colloquial language, 'muerto' can refer to an electrical device that has run out of battery, not just to living beings. 'Está' is used to highlight this is a temporary state, which can be fixed by charging the battery.
Estoy muerto de cansancio.
I am dead tired.
This is an idiomatic expression referring to extreme tiredness. 'Muerto' is used figuratively to express this extremity of the condition.
El jardín está lleno de árboles muertos.
The garden is full of dead trees.
We use 'muertos' here to describe the condition of the trees in the garden. 'Lleno' meaning full indicates the quantity of dead trees.
Su mirada estaba muerta.
His/Her gaze was dead.
This phrase uses 'muerta' in a metaphorical context to describe someone's gaze as emotionless or lifeless.
Esto está muerto, vamos a otro lugar.
This is dead, let's go elsewhere.
This phrase uses 'muerto' in a colloquial context to describe a place with little to no activity or excitement.
Parecía muerto, pero aún respiraba.
He seemed dead, but he was still breathing.
'Parecía muerto' is used to express that the person appeared to be in a lifeless state, however, 'aún respiraba' conveys that he was still alive.
Está muerto en vida.
He is dead in life.
This is a figurative use of 'muerto' to describe someone who is alive but not living life to the fullest or who is emotionally numb.
La ciudad estaba muerta después del toque de queda.
The city was dead after the curfew.
In this phrase, 'muerta' implies the city was quiet and inactive after curfew was imposed.
El río está muerto debido a la contaminación.
The river is dead due to pollution.
This phrase uses 'muerto' to describe that the river’s ecosystem has been destroyed, most likely implying that there is no longer any life in it due to pollution.