reza
/REH-sah/
prays
In this context, 'reza' means to pray.
reza(verb)
prays
?when talking about a third person like 'he' or 'she'
,pray
?when giving a command to a friend
recites
?referring to repetitive spiritual chants
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
One word, two jobs
'Reza' can be a statement (He prays) or a direct command (Pray!). You can tell which one it is based on the tone of voice or the context of the sentence.
The Z to C switch
Even though this word has a 'z', it changes to a 'c' when followed by an 'e' (like in 'recé'). This is just to keep the sound consistent in Spanish.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'reza' for talking
Mistake: "Using 'reza' when you just mean 'to speak'."
Correction: Use 'habla' for talking. 'Reza' is specifically for talking to a higher power or reading a formal text.
⭐ Usage Tips
Praying vs. Orar
In many Spanish-speaking countries, 'rezar' is used for set prayers (like the Our Father), while 'orar' is often used for more personal, conversational prayer.
In this context, 'reza' describes what a sign or document says or reads.
reza(verb)
reads
?when a sign or document contains specific text
,states
?formal documents or laws
says
?informal way to describe a written message
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Text that 'Prays'
It might seem weird, but in Spanish, we say a sign 'prays' (reza) to mean 'it reads' or 'it says'. Think of it as the text 'reciting' its message to you.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing with 'leer'
Mistake: "El cartel lee 'Cuidado'."
Correction: In Spanish, signs don't 'read' (leer) things; people do. Use 'reza' or 'dice' for the sign itself.
⭐ Usage Tips
Pro Tip for Proverbs
Use 'como reza el dicho' to sound very natural and advanced when introducing a famous Spanish proverb.
🔄 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
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.