Inklingo
← Dictionary

oración

oh-rah-SYOHNo.ɾaˈθjon

“oración” means “sentence” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

sentence

Also: statement, clause
NounfA1
A colorful illustration of a large, simple thought bubble floating above an empty landscape. Inside the thought bubble is a clear, complete image of a red apple on a green tree branch, symbolizing a complete thought.

📝 In Action

Cada oración debe terminar con un punto final.

A1

Every sentence must end with a period.

El profesor nos pidió analizar la estructura de la oración.

B1

The professor asked us to analyze the structure of the sentence.

¿Puedes repetir la última oración que dijiste?

A2

Can you repeat the last sentence you said?

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • frase (phrase)
  • enunciado (statement)

Common Collocations

  • analizar una oración – to analyze a sentence
  • oración simple / compuesta – simple / compound sentence

prayer

Also: supplication
NounfB1
A close-up illustration of two human hands gently pressed together in front of a soft light, symbolizing prayer or deep contemplation.

📝 In Action

Antes de comer, la familia dijo una breve oración.

A2

Before eating, the family said a brief prayer.

La oración silenciosa es una forma de meditación.

B1

Silent prayer is a form of meditation.

Necesitamos la oración de todos para superar este desafío.

B2

We need everyone's prayer to overcome this challenge.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • hacer una oración – to say a prayer
  • rezar una oración – to recite a prayer

🔀 Commonly Confused With

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "oración" in Spanish:

supplication→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: oración

Question 1 of 2

Which of these sentences uses 'oración' in its religious meaning?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
orador(speaker, orator) — Noun
oratoria(oratory, public speaking) — Noun
rezar(to pray) — Verb
🎵 Rhymes▼
canciónnación
📚 Etymology▼

Comes from the Latin word *oratio*, which originally meant 'speech' or 'discourse.' Because formal speech often included appeals to the gods, the meaning gradually extended to include 'prayer' as well. This explains why the Spanish word covers both 'sentence' and 'prayer' today.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

French: orationEnglish: oration

💡 Master Spanish

Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'oración' feminine or masculine?

It is always a feminine noun. You must use the feminine articles and adjectives with it, like 'la oración' or 'una oración corta' (a short sentence/prayer).

What is the difference between 'oración' and 'frase'?

An 'oración' (sentence) must contain a conjugated verb, making it a complete, self-contained thought. A 'frase' (phrase) is a group of words that usually lacks a main verb, like '¡Qué hermoso día!'