Inklingo

How to Say "prayer" in Spanish

English → Spanish

oración

nounB1religious, spiritual
Use 'oración' when referring to a specific prayer or a general religious petition, often as a distinct utterance or written text.

Examples

Antes de comer, la familia dijo una breve oración.

Before eating, the family said a brief prayer.

rezo

REH-sohˈreθo

nounA2religious, spiritual
Choose 'rezo' to describe the act of praying itself, or the recited words of a prayer, often implying a more habitual or routine practice.
A pair of hands gently pressed together in a gesture of prayer against a soft blue background.

Examples

El rezo de la mañana me ayuda a estar tranquilo.

Morning prayer helps me stay calm.

Escuchamos los rezos desde la calle.

We heard the prayers from the street.

Naming the Action

Even though 'rezo' looks like a verb, when it follows words like 'el' (the) or 'un' (a), it is a noun describing the act of praying itself.

Prayer vs. Sentence

Mistake: “Using 'rezo' to mean a sentence in a book.”

Correction: Use 'oración' for a grammatical sentence. Use 'rezo' only for spiritual prayer.

plegaria

play-GAH-ryahpleˈɣaɾja

nounB1religious, spiritual, formal
Opt for 'plegaria' when you want to emphasize a heartfelt, often longer, communication with a divine entity, often carrying a sense of supplication or deep devotion.
A peaceful person with eyes closed and hands pressed together in a gesture of prayer.

Examples

Ella dice una plegaria todas las noches antes de dormir.

She says a prayer every night before sleeping.

Los marineros elevaron una plegaria pidiendo protección.

The sailors raised a prayer asking for protection.

Su carta no era una exigencia, sino una plegaria por justicia.

Her letter was not a demand, but a plea for justice.

Gender Identification

This word is feminine because it ends in '-a'. You should always use it with feminine markers like 'la plegaria' or 'una plegaria'.

Plegaria vs. Oración

While both mean 'prayer,' 'plegaria' is often more formal or dramatic. Use 'oración' for everyday religious talk and 'plegaria' for poetic or intense pleas.

Don't confuse with 'fold'

Mistake: “Using 'plegaria' to mean 'a fold in clothes'.”

Correction: Use 'pliegue' for a fold. Although 'plegaria' looks like 'plegar' (to fold), they have different meanings.

Casual Requests

Mistake: “Asking a friend for a favor using 'plegaria'.”

Correction: Use 'favor' or 'petición'. 'Plegaria' is too heavy or spiritual for asking someone to pass the salt.

Oración vs. Rezo

Learners often confuse 'oración' and 'rezo'. Remember that 'oración' is typically a specific prayer or petition, while 'rezo' refers more to the act or the recited words, often in a routine context.

Related Translations

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