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How to Say "patron saint" in Spanish

English → Spanish

patrón

nounB2religious, formal
Use 'patrón' when referring to the specific religious figure who is the official protector of a town, city, region, country, or a group like a profession.

Examples

San Isidro es el patrón de Madrid.

Saint Isidore is the patron saint of Madrid.

santo

/sahn-toh//ˈsan.to/

nounB1religious, common
Use 'santo' when referring to any saint who is prayed to for protection or guidance, often on a personal level or for a specific need, without necessarily being the official protector of a place or group.
A peaceful figure wearing a simple brown robe, kneeling gently with hands clasped in prayer, illuminated by a faint golden halo.

Examples

Mi santo de cabecera es San Antonio.

My go-to saint for prayers is Saint Anthony.

Mi abuela siempre reza a su santo favorito.

My grandmother always prays to her favorite saint.

Hoy es mi santo, ¿me felicitas?

Today is my saint's day (name day), will you wish me well?

Los Reyes Magos también son conocidos como los Santos Reyes.

The Three Wise Men are also known as the Holy Kings (Saints).

Gender and Plural

The masculine form is 'el santo' (the saint) and the plural is 'los santos.' The feminine is 'la santa' and 'las santas.'

Confusing 'Santo' and 'Día de Reyes'

Mistake: “El 6 de enero es mi santo.”

Correction: The 6th of January is Día de Reyes. Only use 'mi santo' to refer to your personal name day, which is the day dedicated to the saint you are named after.

Patrón vs. Santo for 'Patron Saint'

The most common mistake is using the general term 'santo' when the specific meaning of 'patron saint' of a place or group is intended. Remember that 'patrón' is the precise word for an official protector of a defined entity.

Related Translations

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