Inklingo

How to Say "nun" in Spanish

English → Spanish

monja

/MON-hah//ˈmonxa/

nounA2general
Use 'monja' as the most common and general term for any female member of a religious order.
A friendly nun wearing a traditional black and white habit, standing in a peaceful garden.

Examples

La monja trabaja en el hospital de la ciudad.

The nun works in the city hospital.

Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz fue una monja y escritora famosa.

Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz was a famous nun and writer.

Mi tía decidió hacerse monja el año pasado.

My aunt decided to become a nun last year.

Gender and Endings

This word is specifically feminine. It almost always ends in '-a' because it refers to a woman. To talk about a man in a similar religious role, you must use the word 'monje' instead.

The 'O' trap

Mistake: “monjo”

Correction: monje

hermana

/er-MA-na//eɾˈma.na/

nounB1general
Use 'hermana' when referring to a nun specifically as a member of a religious community or when using it as a title of respect, similar to 'Sister'.
A woman wearing a full traditional nun's habit tending to flowers in a peaceful, simple garden.

Examples

La hermana Teresa dedicó su vida a los pobres.

Sister Teresa dedicated her life to the poor.

Las hermanas del convento rezan cada mañana.

The sisters of the convent pray every morning.

En el hospital, me atendió una hermana de la caridad.

At the hospital, a sister of charity attended to me.

Using it as a Title

Just like in English, 'hermana' can be used as a title before a name. It's often capitalized in this case: 'Hermana Lucía'.

religiosa

/reh-lee-hee-OH-sah//re.liˈxjo.sa/

nounB1general
Use 'religiosa' to describe a woman who belongs to a religious order, focusing on her state of being religious.
A woman wearing a traditional black and white habit.

Examples

La religiosa dedicó su vida a ayudar a los pobres.

The nun dedicated her life to helping the poor.

Varias religiosas viven en el convento de la ciudad.

Several nuns live in the city's convent.

Formal Nouns

While 'monja' is the most common word for 'nun', 'religiosa' is often considered more formal or respectful.

Choosing between 'monja', 'hermana', and 'religiosa'

Learners often wonder which term is 'best'. While 'monja' is the safest and most general option, 'hermana' is frequently used as a direct address or title (like 'Sister'), and 'religiosa' emphasizes the woman's religious vocation. Stick with 'monja' if unsure.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.