Inklingo
← Dictionary

sermón

/ser-MOHN/

sermon

A person standing behind a wooden podium in a peaceful hall, speaking to a group of people.

Un sermón is a religious speech, often given from a podium.

sermón(noun)

mB1

sermon

?

religious speech

Also:

homily

?

formal religious talk

📝 In Action

El cura dio un sermón muy inspirador el domingo pasado.

B1

The priest gave a very inspiring sermon last Sunday.

A mitad del sermón, un niño empezó a llorar.

B1

In the middle of the sermon, a child started to cry.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • homilía (homily)
  • prédica (preaching)

Common Collocations

  • dar un sermón – to give a sermon
  • el sermón de la montaña – the Sermon on the Mount

💡 Grammar Points

The vanishing accent mark

When you make this word plural (sermones), the accent mark on the 'o' disappears because the way we stress the word changes when it gets longer.

⭐ Usage Tips

Religious context

Use this word when referring to the formal speech given during a church service.

A stern adult pointing a finger while talking to a child who is looking down.

Un sermón can also be a long lecture or scolding.

sermón(noun)

mB1

lecture

?

a long scolding

,

talking-to

?

being told off

Also:

earful

?

listening to a long complaint

📝 In Action

Mi padre me echó un sermón por llegar tarde a casa.

B1

My father gave me a lecture for arriving home late.

No me vengas con otro sermón sobre mis notas.

B2

Don't give me another lecture about my grades.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • regañina (scolding)
  • bronca (row/telling off)

Common Collocations

  • echar un sermón – to give a lecture/scolding
  • soltar un sermón – to deliver a (boring) lecture

Idioms & Expressions

  • dar un sermón – To scold someone at length about their behavior.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Is it always religious?

Mistake: "Thinking 'sermón' is only for church."

Correction: In daily life, it's actually used more often to describe a parent or boss scolding you for a long time.

⭐ Usage Tips

Verbs to use

We usually use the verbs 'echar' (to throw) or 'soltar' (to let go) with 'sermón' when someone is scolding us.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: sermón

Question 1 of 2

If your boss is angry and talks to you for 20 minutes about your mistakes, what is he giving you?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

sermonear(to lecture/preach at someone) - verb
sermoneador(someone who lectures others) - adjective

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'sermón' considered a rude word?

Not at all! It's neutral. However, if you say someone is 'giving you a sermon,' it implies you find their advice or scolding a bit long and boring.

Can I use 'sermón' for a university lecture?

No, for a school or university lecture, use the word 'clase' or 'conferencia'. 'Sermón' is specifically for religious or moral scolding.