How to Say "devout" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “devout” is “devoto” — use 'devoto' when referring to a person, especially an older woman, who is deeply religious and shows strong faith and piety.
devoto
de-BOH-tohdeˈβoto
Examples
Mi abuela es una mujer muy devota.
My grandmother is a very devout woman.
Es un hombre devoto que reza todos los días.
He is a devout man who prays every day.
Los reyes eran profundamente devotos.
The kings were profoundly devout.
Matching the word to the person
Since this word is an adjective describing a person, you must change the ending: use 'devoto' for men and 'devota' for women.
Placement for emphasis
Putting 'devoto' after the person (un hombre devoto) is standard, but putting it before (un devoto seguidor) makes the description feel more intense.
The 'A' vs 'O' ending
Mistake: “Mi madre es muy devoto.”
Correction: Mi madre es muy devota. You must use the 'a' ending for feminine subjects.
religioso
reh-lee-hee-OH-sohre.liˈxjo.so
Examples
Ella es una persona muy religiosa y va a la iglesia los domingos.
She is a very religious person and goes to church on Sundays.
La Semana Santa es un evento religioso importante en España.
Holy Week is an important religious event in Spain.
Matching the Person
This word must match the gender of the person or thing you are talking about. Use 'religioso' for masculine words (el niño) and 'religiosa' for feminine words (la niña).
Word Order
Mistake: “Un religioso evento.”
Correction: Un evento religioso.
creyente
kreh-YEHN-tehkɾeˈjente
Examples
Crecí en una familia muy creyente.
I grew up in a very devout family.
Es una persona creyente que reza todos los días.
They are a believing person who prays every day.
Using 'Ser' for permanent traits
Use the verb 'ser' with creyente (e.g., 'Soy creyente') because it describes a fundamental part of someone's identity or character.
Gender agreement
Mistake: “Ella es creyenta.”
Correction: Ella es creyente.
piadoso
pyah-DOH-sohpjaˈðoso
Examples
El abuelo era un hombre muy piadoso que iba a misa todos los días.
Grandpa was a very devout man who went to Mass every day.
Llevaba una vida piadosa dedicada a ayudar a los demás.
He led a pious life dedicated to helping others.
Sus palabras eran piadosas y llenas de fe.
His words were devout and full of faith.
Matching the person
Remember to change the ending to 'piadosa' if you are describing a woman or a feminine object.
Where to put the word
Usually, you put 'piadoso' after the noun (the person or thing you're describing), like 'un hombre piadoso'.
Don't confuse with 'pity'
Mistake: “Tengo piadoso por él.”
Correction: Siento piedad por él. 'Piadoso' describes a person; 'piedad' is the actual feeling of pity.
Devoto vs. Religioso
Related Translations
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