templo
“templo” means “temple” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
temple, church
Also: sanctuary
📝 In Action
Visitamos un templo antiguo con columnas impresionantes.
A2We visited an ancient temple with impressive columns.
El templo está abierto al público todos los días.
A1The temple is open to the public every day.
sanctuary, body
Also: shrine
📝 In Action
La universidad es un templo del saber y la cultura.
B2The university is a temple (sanctuary) of knowledge and culture.
Cuidar de tu cuerpo es importante, es tu templo personal.
B2Taking care of your body is important; it is your personal temple.
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: templo
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'templo' in its figurative, non-architectural meaning?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes directly from the Latin word *templum*. In ancient Rome, a *templum* was originally a designated sacred space marked out by a religious official before a building was even erected. This idea of a sacred, dedicated space is still central to the Spanish meaning.
First recorded: 13th century (in Spanish)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'templo' the same as 'iglesia'?
Not exactly. 'Iglesia' specifically refers to a Christian church (Catholic or Protestant). 'Templo' is the general term for any large religious building, especially those associated with ancient or non-Christian religions (like Buddhist, Hindu, or Roman temples). You can sometimes hear 'templo' used for Protestant churches, but 'iglesia' is much more common for Christian buildings.