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ceremonia

seh-reh-MOH-nee-ah/se.ɾeˈmo.nja/

“ceremonia” means “ceremony” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

ceremony

Also: rite, observance
NounfA2
A person in a formal suit stands on a small stage presenting a shiny gold trophy to another smiling person. They are shaking hands.

📝 In Action

La ceremonia de boda duró solo media hora.

A2

The wedding ceremony only lasted half an hour.

Asistimos a la ceremonia de entrega de premios.

B1

We attended the awards ceremony.

El presidente dio un discurso en la ceremonia de inauguración.

B2

The president gave a speech at the inauguration ceremony.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • acto (act, event)
  • ritual (ritual)

Common Collocations

  • maestro de ceremonias – master of ceremonies (MC)
  • ceremonia religiosa – religious ceremony

formality

Also: fuss, etiquette
NounfB2
Two cartoonish figures dressed in overly stiff, elaborate formal clothing performing an exaggerated, rigid, and deep bow to each other.

📝 In Action

Deja tanta ceremonia, somos amigos.

B2

Stop with all the fuss/formality, we are friends.

Entró en la casa sin ninguna ceremonia.

C1

She entered the house without any formality (casually).

Word Connections

Synonyms

Idioms & Expressions

  • sin ceremonia – casually, without fuss, informally

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "ceremonia" in Spanish:

ceremony→etiquette→formality→fuss→observance→rite→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: ceremonia

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence uses 'ceremonia' to mean 'excessive fuss or formality'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
ceremonial(ceremonial (adj.)) — Adjective
ceremonioso(ceremonious, formal) — Adjective
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

Comes from the Latin word *caerimonia*, which referred to a sacred observance or ritual. Over time, it developed the broader meaning of any formal public event.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: ceremonyPortuguese: cerimônia

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'ceremonia' only for religious events?

No. While it can refer to religious rites, 'ceremonia' is used for any official or formal event, such as graduations, awards nights, inaugurations, or civil weddings.

How do I say 'Master of Ceremonies'?

The common phrase is 'maestro/a de ceremonias'.