Inklingo

How to Say "clergyman" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “clergyman” is “sacerdote” — use this term for a general male religious leader, especially within the Catholic or Orthodox traditions, or as a neutral term when the specific denomination is unknown.

English → Spanish

sacerdote

sa-ser-DOH-tehsaθeɾˈdo.te

nounB1general
Use this term for a general male religious leader, especially within the Catholic or Orthodox traditions, or as a neutral term when the specific denomination is unknown.
A smiling male priest wearing a black cassock and a white clerical collar, standing against a simple colored background.

Examples

El sacerdote ofició la boda en la iglesia principal.

The priest officiated the wedding in the main church.

Necesito hablar con un sacerdote sobre mis preocupaciones.

I need to speak with a priest about my concerns.

La comunidad se reunió para escuchar el sermón del joven sacerdote recién ordenado.

The community gathered to hear the sermon of the recently ordained young priest.

Masculine Noun Rule

Even though this word ends in '-e', it is always masculine. Use 'el' or 'un' before it: 'el sacerdote'.

Confusing Gender

Mistake: “La sacerdote visitó el hospital.”

Correction: El sacerdote visitó el hospital. (If referring to a male priest, the noun remains masculine.)

ministro

mi-NEES-tromiˈnistɾo

nounB2general
This is a broader term often used for leaders in Protestant denominations, but can also refer to any religious official presiding over ceremonies.
A person wearing a dark clerical robe and a white clerical collar, standing at a wooden pulpit, representing a religious minister.

Examples

El ministro ofició la ceremonia de bautismo el domingo pasado.

The minister officiated the baptism ceremony last Sunday.

La comunidad agradeció al ministro por su apoyo espiritual.

The community thanked the minister for his spiritual support.

religioso

reh-lee-hee-OH-sohre.liˈxjo.so

nounB1general
Use this for a male member of a religious order (like a monk or friar) who has taken vows, emphasizing their commitment to a religious life.
A man wearing a simple brown robe walking through a stone courtyard.

Examples

El religioso dedicó su vida a ayudar a los pobres.

The monk dedicated his life to helping the poor.

eclesiástico

nounC1formal
This is a more formal and somewhat archaic term referring to any ordained member of the clergy, often used in historical or more official contexts.

Examples

El eclesiástico caminaba lentamente por el claustro.

The clergyman walked slowly through the cloister.

Sacerdote vs. Ministro

Learners often confuse 'sacerdote' and 'ministro'. While 'sacerdote' is commonly used for Catholic priests, 'ministro' is more typical for Protestant leaders. Use 'sacerdote' as a general term for a male religious official when unsure, but avoid it for Protestant contexts where 'ministro' is preferred.

Related Translations

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