Inklingo

How to Say "clergyman" in Spanish

English → Spanish

sacerdote

/sa-ser-DOH-teh//saθeɾˈdo.te/

nounB1general
Use 'sacerdote' as the most general term for a male religious leader, especially within Catholic, Orthodox, or Anglican traditions.
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-tro//miˈnistɾo/

nounB2general
Choose 'ministro' for a general leader of a Protestant church or a high-ranking government official, as the word has a dual meaning.
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-soh//re.liˈxjo.so/

nounB1general
Use 'religioso' to refer to a male member of a religious order, such as a monk or friar, who has taken vows.
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.

Sacerdote vs. Ministro

Learners often confuse 'sacerdote' and 'ministro'. Remember that 'sacerdote' is typically used for Catholic priests, while 'ministro' is more common in Protestant contexts but also refers to government ministers.

Related Translations

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