bendición
/ben-dee-SYOHN/
blessing
The word bendición can mean 'blessing' or 'divine favor'.
bendición(Noun)
blessing
?Act of consecration or divine favor
benediction
?Formal religious ceremony
📝 In Action
El sacerdote dio la bendición al pan y al vino.
A2The priest gave the blessing to the bread and wine.
Pedimos la bendición de Dios para nuestro nuevo hogar.
B1We asked for God's blessing for our new home.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender and Articles
Even though 'bendición' starts with a strong 'a' sound, it is a feminine noun and uses the standard feminine article: 'la bendición'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Noun and Verb
Mistake: "Using *bendición* when you mean the verb *bendecir* (to bless)."
Correction: Remember, *bendición* is the thing (the blessing); *bendecir* is the action (to bless).
Bendición is also used to refer to 'a gift, advantage, or good fortune'.
bendición(Noun)
a blessing
?A gift, advantage, or good fortune
godsend
?Something badly needed that arrives unexpectedly
,boon
?A helpful or beneficial thing
📝 In Action
Tener un buen trabajo es una bendición en estos tiempos.
B1Having a good job is a blessing in these times.
La lluvia fue una bendición para los cultivos secos.
B2The rain was a godsend for the dry crops.
⭐ Usage Tips
Expressing Gratitude
You can use this meaning to express deep gratitude for a positive event or situation. For example, '¡Qué bendición!' (What a blessing!)
Traditionally, bendición can be used as an interjection meaning 'May I go?' when asking an elder for permission.
bendición(Interjection)
May I go?
?Requesting permission from an elder (traditional)
Farewell
?Used as a parting word, often followed by an elder's response
📝 In Action
Hijo: ¡La bendición, mamá! | Madre: ¡Dios te bendiga!
C1Son: Blessing, Mom! (A request for permission/farewell) | Mother: God bless you!
Con la bendición de mis padres, me mudé al extranjero.
C1With the blessing (permission) of my parents, I moved abroad.
⭐ Usage Tips
Cultural Context
This usage is common in many Latin American countries, particularly in traditional families, where children or young adults use it as a respectful greeting or farewell to their parents or grandparents.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: bendición
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'bendición' to mean 'good fortune' rather than a formal religious act?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'bendición' used only in religious contexts?
No. While its origin is religious, it is very commonly used in everyday language to mean 'a great advantage' or 'a piece of good luck.' If you say, 'Mi carro es una bendición,' you mean your car is incredibly helpful and reliable.
How do I respond if someone says 'La bendición' to me in a traditional context?
If you are the elder receiving this request (often from a child or younger relative), the traditional and expected response is 'Dios te bendiga' (God bless you), or simply 'Que te vaya bien' (May things go well for you).