reza
“reza” means “prays” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
prays, pray
Also: recites
📝 In Action
Mi abuela reza el rosario todas las tardes.
A2My grandmother prays the rosary every afternoon.
Por favor, reza por mi familia.
A1Please, pray for my family.
Él reza antes de dormir para estar tranquilo.
A2He prays before sleeping to be at peace.
reads, states
Also: says
📝 In Action
El cartel reza: 'No pasar'.
B1The sign reads: 'Do not enter'.
Como reza el dicho, más vale tarde que nunca.
B2As the saying goes, better late than never.
La ley reza que todos somos iguales.
B2The law states that we are all equal.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: reza
Question 1 of 2
If you see a sign that says 'Danger', how would you describe it in Spanish?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin word 'recitāre', which meant 'to read aloud' or 'to recite'. This is why it is used today both for praying out loud and for what is written on a sign.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'reza' different from 'ora'?
They are very similar! 'Reza' often refers to traditional, repetitive prayers (like those in a church service), while 'ora' is often used for more personal or spontaneous conversation with God.
Does 'reza' mean 'reason'?
No, that is a common mix-up! 'Reason' is 'razón'. 'Reza' always comes from the action of praying or stating a text.