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How to Say "ceremony" in Spanish

English → Spanish

ceremonia

seh-reh-MOH-nee-ahse.ɾeˈmo.nja

nounA2formal
Use 'ceremonia' for general formal events like weddings, graduations, or award presentations.
A person in a formal suit stands on a small stage presenting a shiny gold trophy to another smiling person. They are shaking hands.

Examples

La ceremonia de boda duró solo media hora.

The wedding ceremony only lasted half an hour.

Asistimos a la ceremonia de entrega de premios.

We attended the awards ceremony.

El presidente dio un discurso en la ceremonia de inauguración.

The president gave a speech at the inauguration ceremony.

Always Feminine

Remember that 'ceremonia' is a feminine word, so you must use 'la' or 'una' with it, and any adjectives describing it must end in '-a' (e.g., 'la ceremonia bonita').

Using 'Ceremonio'

Mistake: “El ceremonia”

Correction: La ceremonia. Even though it ends in 'a,' some learners mistakenly assume it's masculine; it is always feminine.

acto

AHK-tohˈak.to

nounB2formal
Use 'acto' to refer to a formal public gathering, often with an official or institutional character, like a graduation or a political event.
Three people wearing formal robes standing on a podium shaking hands in a celebratory manner, representing a formal gathering or ceremony.

Examples

El acto de graduación será mañana por la mañana.

The graduation ceremony will be tomorrow morning.

Fuimos invitados al acto de toma de posesión del nuevo presidente.

We were invited to the inauguration ceremony of the new president.

rito

REE-tohˈrito

nounB1formal
Choose 'rito' when the ceremony has a strong religious, traditional, or symbolic meaning, such as a baptism or a cultural rite.
A group of robed figures standing in a circle around a glowing stone altar in a forest.

Examples

El bautismo es un rito importante en muchas religiones.

Baptism is an important rite in many religions.

Cada cultura tiene sus propios ritos funerarios.

Every culture has its own funeral rites.

Los ritos de pasaje marcan el crecimiento de una persona.

Rites of passage mark a person's growth.

A Word for 'Things'

This is a noun (a thing), so it never changes its ending to match a person. Whether a man or a woman performs it, it is always 'el rito'.

Using 'El' and 'Un'

Since this word is masculine, always pair it with masculine helpers like 'el' (the) or 'un' (a).

Rito vs. Recto

Mistake: “El camino es rito.”

Correction: El camino es recto. 'Rito' is a ceremony; 'recto' means straight. They sound similar but are very different!

Ceremonia vs. Acto

Learners often confuse 'ceremonia' and 'acto.' Remember that 'ceremonia' is broader and can apply to most formal events, while 'acto' specifically implies a public or official gathering. For instance, a wedding is usually a 'ceremonia,' but a graduation is often called an 'acto' because it's a formal, public event.

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