monja

MON-hah/ˈmonxa/

“monja” means “nun” in Spanish (a female member of a religious order).

nun

Also: sister

NounfA2

A friendly nun wearing a traditional black and white habit, standing in a peaceful garden.

📝 In Action

La monja trabaja en el hospital de la ciudad.

The nun works in the city hospital.

Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz fue una monja y escritora famosa.

Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz was a famous nun and writer.

Mi tía decidió hacerse monja el año pasado.

My aunt decided to become a nun last year.

Word Connections

Synonyms

religiosa (religious woman)
hermana (sister)

Antonyms

monje (monk (male equivalent))

Common Collocations

hacerse monja – to become a nun
hábito de monja – nun's habit (clothing)
monja de clausura – cloistered nun

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "monja" in Spanish:

nun→sister→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: monja

Question 1 of 2

What is the correct word for a male monk in Spanish?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼

monje(monk) — Noun

monasterio(monastery) — Noun

monjita(little nun) — Noun

🎵 Rhymes▼

esponjatoronjalonja

📚 Etymology▼

From the Latin word 'monacha,' which comes from the Greek word 'monakhos,' meaning 'solitary' or 'alone.' This describes the lifestyle of people who lived apart from society for religious reasons.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: monkFrench: moine

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'monja' the same as 'hermana'?

Technically yes, but 'monja' is the general noun (the job/role), while 'hermana' (sister) is often used as a respectful title or when speaking directly to her.

Does 'monja' change if there is a group of men and women?

No, if there is a mixed group of monks and nuns, you would use the masculine plural 'los monjes' to refer to everyone together.