bendito
/ben-DEE-toh/
blessed
Visualizing 'bendito' (blessed) as consecrated or holy: A simple object bathed in divine light.
bendito(adjective)
blessed
?consecrated or holy
,beloved
?dear or cherished
innocent
?used sympathetically or ironically
,dear
?expressing warmth
📝 In Action
El sacerdote roció agua bendita sobre la multitud.
B1The priest sprinkled blessed water over the crowd.
¡Qué bendito día hemos tenido! El sol brilló toda la mañana.
B2What a blessed day we've had! The sun shone all morning.
Mi bendito abuelo siempre me cuenta las mismas historias.
B2My dear grandfather always tells me the same stories.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender and Number
As an adjective, 'bendito' must change its ending to match the thing it describes: 'bendita' (f), 'benditos' (m plural), 'benditas' (f plural).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Mixing up the Adjective and the Exclamation
Mistake: "Using '¡Bendito!' as a regular adjective after a noun (e.g., 'un hombre bendito')."
Correction: While technically correct, 'bendito' usually comes before the noun when used emotionally ('un bendito hombre'). The exclamation '¡Bendito!' is a fixed phrase.
⭐ Usage Tips
Emotional Placement
When you use 'bendito' to mean 'dear' or 'poor thing,' it often goes before the noun, emphasizing the emotion: 'el bendito niño' (the dear/poor child).
Visualizing 'bendito' (Oh dear) as an interjection expressing sympathy or mild frustration: The disappointment of a small setback.
bendito(interjection)
Oh dear
?expressing sympathy or mild frustration
Bless his heart
?expressing pity or affection
,Darn it
?expressing annoyance
📝 In Action
¡Bendito! El gatito se cayó del árbol.
B2Oh dear! The kitten fell out of the tree.
¡Bendito sea! Por fin llegó la ayuda.
C1Thank goodness! Help finally arrived.
¡Bendito! ¿De verdad perdiste el autobús otra vez?
C1Oh man! Did you really miss the bus again?
💡 Grammar Points
Fixed Exclamation
When used alone as an exclamation ('¡Bendito!'), it acts like a single emotional word and doesn't change gender or number, even if you are talking about a woman or multiple things.
⭐ Usage Tips
Versatile Emotion
This exclamation is used for a wide range of emotions—from deep sorrow to minor annoyance, or even relief. The tone of your voice is key to showing what you mean.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: bendito
Question 1 of 2
Which English phrase best captures the meaning of the exclamation '¡Bendito! ¡Se me olvidó el cumpleaños de mi madre!'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'bendito' only used in religious contexts?
Absolutely not! While its origin is religious (meaning 'blessed'), it is much more commonly used in everyday Spanish to express strong feelings like affection ('mi bendito hijo' - my dear son) or frustration ('el bendito tráfico' - the darn traffic).
How is 'bendito' different from 'bendición'?
'Bendición' is a noun meaning 'a blessing' (like 'recibir una bendición'). 'Bendito' is the adjective or past participle, meaning 'blessed' (describing something that has received a blessing).