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How to Say "prayers" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “prayers” is “oraciones” — use 'oraciones' when referring to a formal religious address or petition made to a deity or higher power, especially in a group setting like a church service..

English → Spanish

oraciones

oh-rah-SYOH-ness/oɾaˈsjo.nes/

nounB1formal
Use 'oraciones' when referring to a formal religious address or petition made to a deity or higher power, especially in a group setting like a church service.
A simple, stylized figure kneeling with hands pressed together and eyes closed in a universal gesture of prayer.

Examples

La congregación recitó las oraciones al final de la misa.

The congregation recited the prayers at the end of the mass.

Ella siempre dice sus oraciones antes de acostarse.

She always says her prayers before going to bed.

Formal vs. Informal Prayer

'Oraciones' usually refers to formal, structured prayers (like those in a book), while 'rezos' can refer to informal or spontaneous prayers.

votos

BOH-tohs/ˈbotos/

nounC1formal
Use 'votos' when expressing a strong hope, wish, or formal pledge for a future outcome, such as wishing someone a speedy recovery.
A child gently blowing the seeds off a large dandelion head, symbolizing making a wish or expressing hopes.

Examples

Hacemos votos por la pronta recuperación de todos los afectados.

We express our sincere wishes for the speedy recovery of all those affected.

Mis votos son que logres todo lo que te propongas.

My wishes are that you achieve everything you set out to do.

Fixed Expression

This meaning is almost exclusively used in the phrase 'hacer votos por [algo/alguien]', meaning to wish strongly for that thing or person.

Religious vs. Hopeful Expressions

The most common mistake is using 'oraciones' for general wishes or hopes. Remember that 'oraciones' specifically refers to religious communication with a divine being, while 'votos' is used for expressing earnest hopes or desires for a particular outcome.

Related Translations

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