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How to Say "chaste" in Spanish

English → Spanish

casta

kahs-tahˈkasta

adjectiveC2formal
Use 'casta' when referring to a person or their lifestyle as deliberately refraining from sexual relations, often for moral or religious reasons.
A single white lily flower standing tall in a clean glass vase on a plain wooden table.

Examples

Llevaba una vida casta y dedicada a la oración.

She led a chaste life dedicated to prayer.

Adjective Agreement

This is the feminine form of 'casto.' It must match the gender of the person you are describing: 'una mujer casta' vs 'un hombre casto.'

pura

POO-rahˈpu.ɾa

adjectiveA2
While 'pura' primarily means 'pure' in the sense of unmixed or clean, it can sometimes describe a person as chaste, though this usage is less common and can sound a bit dated or poetic compared to 'casta'.
A single, perfectly clear, unmixed drop of water suspended in the air, illustrating purity.

Examples

Necesito agua pura para la receta.

I need pure water for the recipe.

El aire de la montaña es puro, ¡qué maravilla!

The mountain air is pure, how marvelous!

Agreement with Nouns

Remember that adjectives like 'pura' must match the gender and number of the person or thing they describe. 'Pura' is used only for singular feminine nouns (like 'agua' or 'suerte').

Choosing between 'casta' and 'pura'

Learners often confuse 'casta' and 'pura' because both can imply purity. However, 'casta' is the specific term for sexual abstinence or a chaste lifestyle. 'Pura' is much more general and usually refers to physical purity (like water) or innocence, not specifically sexual restraint.

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