obispo
“obispo” means “bishop” in Spanish (a high-ranking member of the Christian clergy).
bishop
Also: mulled wine
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El obispo de la ciudad dio un discurso por la paz.
A2The city's bishop gave a speech for peace.
El anillo es un símbolo importante para un obispo.
B1The ring is an important symbol for a bishop.
Fue nombrado obispo tras muchos años de servicio en la comunidad.
B2He was appointed bishop after many years of service in the community.
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Quick Quiz: obispo
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What is the correct Spanish word for the 'bishop' in a game of chess?
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📚 Etymology▼
From the Greek word 'episkopos', which means 'overseer' or 'watcher'. It evolved through Latin 'episcopus' before becoming 'obispo' in Spanish.
First recorded: 10th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a female version of 'obispo'?
Yes, 'la obispa' is used in religious denominations that ordain women, though 'el obispo' remains more common in traditional literature and Catholic contexts.
What is an 'arzobispo'?
An 'arzobispo' (archbishop) is a bishop of a higher rank who usually oversees a larger or more important religious area called an archdiocese.
Why does the English word 'bishop' sound so different from 'obispo'?
Both come from the same Greek root 'episkopos'. Over hundreds of years, the 'e' at the start was dropped in different ways in English and Spanish, resulting in 'bishop' and 'obispo'.