jesús
“jesús” means “Jesus” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
Jesus
Also: Joshua
📝 In Action
Mi mejor amigo se llama Jesús.
A1My best friend's name is Jesús.
Jesús es una figura central en el cristianismo.
A2Jesus is a central figure in Christianity.
Bless you
Also: Gosh / Jeez
📝 In Action
—¡Achís! —¡Jesús!
A1—Achoo! —Bless you!
¡Jesús, qué susto me has dado!
A2Gosh, you scared me!
¡Jesús! Olvidé las llaves otra vez.
B1Jeez! I forgot the keys again.
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: jesús
Question 1 of 1
Your friend sneezes loudly. What is the most common and appropriate thing to say in Spanish?
📚 More Resources
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from Latin 'Iesus', which in turn comes from the Greek 'Ἰησοῦς' (Iēsoûs). The ultimate origin is the Hebrew name 'יְהוֹשֻׁעַ' (Yehoshu'a), meaning 'Yahweh is salvation'.
First recorded: Ancient texts
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it offensive to use 'Jesús' as an expression if you're not religious?
Not at all. The use of '¡Jesús!' as an interjection (like 'Gosh!' or 'Bless you!') is a deeply ingrained cultural habit in the Spanish-speaking world. It has lost its purely religious connection in these contexts and is used by people of all beliefs.
Why is Jesús such a common first name in Spanish-speaking countries but not in English-speaking ones?
It's a cultural and religious tradition, particularly strong in Catholic countries. In many parts of the English-speaking world, there was a historical tradition of avoiding the use of the name out of reverence, but this wasn't the case in Spain and Latin America, where it's seen as a way to honor Jesus.