Inklingo

How to Say "hymn" in Spanish

English → Spanish

himno

EEM-noˈimno

nounB1general
Use 'himno' for a general religious song of praise sung during a service or ceremony.
A small choir in robes singing together inside a sunlit building with tall arched windows.

Examples

Cantamos un himno durante el servicio religioso.

We sang a hymn during the religious service.

El coro ensaya los himnos para el domingo.

The choir is rehearsing the hymns for Sunday.

Este es un antiguo himno del siglo doce.

This is an ancient hymn from the twelfth century.

Pronouncing 'mn'

In the sequence 'mn', both letters are pronounced. Make a quick 'm' sound followed immediately by the 'n'.

Confusing 'Himno' and 'Salmo'

Mistake: “Leímos un himno de la Biblia.”

Correction: Leímos un salmo de la Biblia. 'Salmo' refers specifically to Psalms, while 'himno' is a general song of praise.

alabado

ah-lah-BAH-dohalaˈβaðo

nounC2religious, traditional
Use 'alabado' for a specific, often traditional, religious song of praise, typically associated with particular cultural or historical contexts.
A person in a robe singing with their hands raised in a peaceful setting.

Examples

El pueblo entonó un alabado tradicional durante la procesión.

The town sang a traditional hymn of praise during the procession.

Himno vs. Alabado

Learners often use 'alabado' when 'himno' would be more appropriate, simply because 'alabado' sounds more religious. Remember that 'himno' is the standard, everyday term for a hymn in most contexts.

Related Translations

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