oración
/oh-rah-SYOHN/
sentence
When referring to a linguistic unit, oración means 'sentence'.
oración(noun)
sentence
?linguistic unit, complete thought
statement
?formal written text
,clause
?grammatical term for a part of a larger sentence
📝 In Action
Cada oración debe terminar con un punto final.
A1Every sentence must end with a period.
El profesor nos pidió analizar la estructura de la oración.
B1The professor asked us to analyze the structure of the sentence.
¿Puedes repetir la última oración que dijiste?
A2Can you repeat the last sentence you said?
💡 Grammar Points
Oración vs. Frase
An 'oración' is a complete thought that includes a verb. A 'frase' (phrase) is usually a shorter group of words without a verb, like '¡Qué bien!'
❌ Common Pitfalls
Missing the Verb
Mistake: "Escribir 'un libro interesante' y llamarlo oración."
Correction: You need a verb to make it a full thought: 'El libro es interesante.' (The book is interesting.)
⭐ Usage Tips
The Power of the Verb
In Spanish, the verb is the heart of the 'oración.' If you don't have a conjugated verb, you don't have an 'oración'—you just have a 'frase.'
When referring to a spiritual petition, oración means 'prayer'.
📝 In Action
Antes de comer, la familia dijo una breve oración.
A2Before eating, the family said a brief prayer.
La oración silenciosa es una forma de meditación.
B1Silent prayer is a form of meditation.
Necesitamos la oración de todos para superar este desafío.
B2We need everyone's prayer to overcome this challenge.
💡 Grammar Points
The accompanying verb
When talking about performing a prayer, the most common verb is 'rezar' (to pray) or 'hacer una oración' (to make/say a prayer).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'pedir' incorrectly
Mistake: "Yo pedí una oración. (I asked for a prayer.)"
Correction: Yo recé una oración. (I recited a prayer.) 'Pedir' is used for asking for things, not for performing the act of prayer itself.
⭐ Usage Tips
Context is Key
If you hear 'oración' in a religious setting, it means 'prayer.' If you hear it in a language class, it means 'sentence.' The context usually makes the meaning clear!
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: oración
Question 1 of 2
Which of these sentences uses 'oración' in its religious meaning?
📚 More Resources
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!'