templo
/TEM-plo (Stress on the first syllable)/
temple
Templo, meaning "temple," refers to a large religious building.
templo(noun)
temple
?large religious building, especially non-Christian
,church
?sometimes used for Protestant places of worship
sanctuary
?sacred place
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Masculine Noun Rule
Remember that 'templo' is always masculine, so you must use 'el' or 'un' before it: 'el templo' (the temple), 'un templo' (a temple).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Gender Confusion
Mistake: "La templo"
Correction: El templo. Although it ends in '-o', which often signals masculine, it's helpful to memorize the article (el) along with the noun to avoid mistakes.
⭐ Usage Tips
Using 'Templo' vs 'Iglesia'
'Templo' is a broader word and is often used for non-Christian places of worship (like Greek, Roman, or Asian religions). 'Iglesia' is specifically for Christian churches.
Templo can also be used figuratively to mean "sanctuary," a place of great reverence or peace.
templo(noun)
sanctuary
?figurative place of reverence or importance
,body
?referring to the human body as a sacred place
shrine
?place dedicated to a non-religious idea
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Figurative Language
This meaning uses 'templo' as a metaphor, meaning a place or thing that is highly respected, important, or sacred, even if it’s not a physical building.
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal Contexts
Use this figurative sense mainly when writing or speaking formally, such as in essays, speeches, or literature. It sounds very elevated and poetic.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: templo
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'templo' in its figurative, non-architectural meaning?
📚 More Resources
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.