culto
/KOOL-toh/
cultured
A cultured person enjoying literature and art.
culto(adjective)
cultured
?describing a person with refined tastes and broad knowledge
educated
?having a high level of learning
,learned
?showing great knowledge
📝 In Action
Es una persona muy culta que conoce mucho sobre historia y arte.
B1They are a very cultured person who knows a lot about history and art.
Utiliza un lenguaje culto en sus discursos.
B2He uses sophisticated language in his speeches.
💡 Grammar Points
Describing People
When you use this to describe a person, the ending changes: use 'culto' for a man and 'culta' for a woman.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Not the same as 'polite'
Mistake: "Using 'culto' to mean someone has good manners."
Correction: Use 'educado' for good manners. 'Culto' is specifically about having knowledge and education.
⭐ Usage Tips
Complimenting intellect
Use this word when you want to praise someone's intellectual depth rather than just their school grades.
An act of worship and religious devotion.
culto(noun)
worship
?the act of showing religious devotion
religious service
?a formal gathering for prayer or ceremony
,cult
?a specific system of religious veneration or a devoted following
📝 In Action
La libertad de culto es un derecho fundamental.
B2Freedom of worship is a fundamental right.
El culto se celebra todos los domingos a las diez.
B1The service is held every Sunday at ten.
Existe un culto a la personalidad alrededor del líder.
C1There is a cult of personality around the leader.
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'a'
When you want to say you are worshipping or being devoted to something, use the word 'a' after 'culto' (e.g., culto al dinero).
⭐ Usage Tips
Modern obsession
In modern Spanish, 'culto al cuerpo' is a very common phrase to describe society's obsession with looking fit and attractive.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: culto
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'culto' to describe someone who is very well-educated?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'culto' the same as 'educado'?
Not exactly. 'Educado' usually means someone has good manners (polite). 'Culto' means someone has a lot of knowledge, has read many books, or understands art and history.
Does 'culto' always have a religious meaning?
No. While it can mean a religious service or worship, it is also frequently used as an adjective to mean 'cultured' or 'learned'.