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How to Say "altar" in Spanish

English → Spanish

altar

ahl-TARRalˈtaɾ

nounB1religious
Use 'altar' when referring to a raised structure in a church or other religious building where religious ceremonies are performed.
A raised stone altar inside a simple church, featuring one lit candle and a small vase of flowers.

Examples

El sacerdote se acercó al altar para oficiar la misa.

The priest approached the altar to officiate the mass.

En México, la gente construye altares de muertos en noviembre.

In Mexico, people build altars for the dead in November.

La iglesia tiene un hermoso altar tallado en madera antigua.

The church has a beautiful altar carved from antique wood.

Masculine Noun

Even though 'altar' ends in 'r' (which can sometimes be feminine), it is always a masculine noun: 'el altar'.

Gender confusion

Mistake: “La altar es grande.”

Correction: El altar es grande. (It must take the masculine article 'el'.)

ofrenda

oh-fren-dahoˈfɾenda

nounA2cultural, familial
Use 'ofrenda' specifically for a display, common in Mexico, that honors deceased loved ones, often featuring photos, food, and candles, especially during Día de Muertos.
A colorful arrangement of bright marigold flowers, a loaf of bread, and a small bowl of fruit on a wooden table.

Examples

Pusimos una ofrenda con fotos de mis abuelos.

We set up an altar with photos of my grandparents.

Llevaron flores como ofrenda a la iglesia.

They took flowers as an offering to the church.

Este concierto es una ofrenda a la paz mundial.

This concert is a tribute to world peace.

A feminine word

Since it ends in 'a,' this word is feminine. You should always use 'la' or 'una' with it (e.g., 'la ofrenda').

Verb pairing

In a ritual context, like Day of the Dead, we use the verb 'poner' (to put/place) to describe setting up the display.

Gift vs. Offering

Mistake: “Using 'ofrenda' for a birthday present.”

Correction: Use 'regalo' for birthday or Christmas gifts. Use 'ofrenda' only for religious, ritual, or symbolic tributes.

Confusing religious altars with cultural displays

The most common mistake is using 'altar' for the Day of the Dead display ('ofrenda'). Remember that 'altar' refers to a permanent religious structure, while 'ofrenda' is a temporary, personal, and often cultural memorial.

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