Inklingo

How to Say "congregation" in Spanish

English → Spanish

parroquia

/pah-RROH-kyah//paˈrokja/

nounB2general
Use 'parroquia' when referring to the regular attendees or members of a specific church, or more broadly, a community that frequents a particular establishment.
A group of cheerful people sitting together at a cozy wooden counter in a small bakery, enjoying coffee and bread.

Examples

La parroquia local se reunió para planificar el festival anual.

The local congregation met to plan the annual festival.

Este bar tiene una parroquia muy fiel.

This bar has a very loyal group of regulars.

Toda la parroquia se reunió para despedir al dueño del café.

All the regulars gathered to say goodbye to the coffee shop owner.

La parroquia escuchó el sermón en silencio.

The congregation listened to the sermon in silence.

Collective Noun

When using 'parroquia' to mean 'the regulars,' it is a collective noun. This means even though it represents many people, you treat it as a single 'it' for verb forms.

grey

/grey//ɡɾei/

nounC2religious
Use 'grey' specifically when referring to the flock or the spiritual community under the guidance of a religious leader, often implying a more pastoral or spiritual connection.
A diverse group of people standing together in a peaceful circle within a quiet garden.

Examples

El pastor habló con ternura a su grey.

The pastor spoke tenderly to his congregation.

El obispo dedicó unas palabras de aliento a su grey.

The bishop dedicated some words of encouragement to his flock.

La grey se reunió en la plaza para escuchar el mensaje.

The congregation gathered in the plaza to hear the message.

Un buen líder siempre busca el bienestar de su grey.

A good leader always seeks the well-being of his followers.

Figurative Language

This word is a metaphor. Just as a shepherd leads sheep, a priest or leader leads a 'grey' (people).

The English Confusion

Mistake:Using 'grey' to mean the color.

Correction: The color is 'gris'. The Spanish word 'grey' only means a flock or group.

Distinguishing 'Grey' and 'Parroquia'

The most common mistake is using 'grey' outside of a strictly religious or pastoral context. Remember that 'parroquia' is more versatile and can apply to any regular group of people associated with a place, not just a church.

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