santa
“santa” means “holy” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
holy
Also: saintly, sacred
📝 In Action
La Semana Santa es una celebración importante en muchos países.
A2Holy Week is an important celebration in many countries.
Ella lleva una vida muy santa, dedicada a la caridad.
B1She leads a very saintly life, dedicated to charity.
saint
Also: patroness
📝 In Action
La patrona de la ciudad es Santa Cecilia.
A2The city's patron saint is Saint Cecilia.
Mi madre es una santa, ¡tiene una paciencia infinita!
B2My mother is a saint (a wonderful, patient person), she has infinite patience!
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: santa
Question 1 of 1
¿En cuál frase 'santa' funciona como un sustantivo (una cosa o persona)?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes directly from the Latin word *sancta*, which meant 'sacred' or 'consecrated.' It has been used in Spanish since the earliest writings to refer to things or people dedicated to God.
First recorded: c. 13th century (in Romance languages)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
¿Cuál es la diferencia entre 'santo' y 'santa'?
'Santo' is the form used for masculine words (el santo, santo aire). 'Santa' is the form used for feminine words (la santa, santa misa). They mean exactly the same thing but must match the gender of the word they modify.
¿Por qué se usa a veces 'San' en lugar de 'Santo'?
When 'santo' is used before a male saint’s name, it shortens to 'San' (e.g., San Juan, San Pedro). The feminine form 'Santa' never changes and is always used before a female saint's name (e.g., Santa Ana).