How to Say "cult" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “cult” is “culto” — use 'culto' when referring to a formal system of religious veneration, a religious practice, or a group's devoted following, especially in a neutral or positive context.
culto
KOOL-tohˈkulto
Examples
La libertad de culto es un derecho fundamental.
Freedom of worship is a fundamental right.
El culto se celebra todos los domingos a las diez.
The service is held every Sunday at ten.
Existe un culto a la personalidad alrededor del líder.
There is a cult of personality around the leader.
Using 'a'
When you want to say you are worshipping or being devoted to something, use the word 'a' after 'culto' (e.g., culto al dinero).
secta
SEK-tahˈsekta
Examples
Mucha gente perdió su dinero al entrar en esa secta.
Many people lost their money when joining that cult.
La policía rescató a los miembros de la secta destructiva.
The police rescued the members of the destructive cult.
Es difícil salir de una secta por la presión psicológica.
It is difficult to leave a cult because of the psychological pressure.
Always Feminine
The word 'secta' is always feminine, so you must use 'la' or 'una' and make sure any describing words end in 'a' (e.g., 'una secta peligrosa').
Using 'de' for Belonging
To say someone is 'in' a cult, Spanish often uses 'de' (of) or 'en' (in). For example: 'Él es de una secta' or 'Él está en una secta'.
Cult vs. Culto
Mistake: “Using 'un culto' to mean a dangerous religious group.”
Correction: Use 'una secta'. While 'culto' means worship or a ritual, 'secta' is the specific word for the group itself, usually with a negative tone.
Culto vs. Secta
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