Inklingo

How to Say "priest" in Spanish

English → Spanish

cura

/kóo-rah//ˈku.ɾa/

nounA2general
Use 'cura' for a general, everyday term for a Catholic priest, often implying a local or parish priest.
A Catholic priest in a black cassock and white collar standing solemnly near an altar inside a church.

Examples

El cura de mi pueblo es muy amable y ayuda a todos.

The priest in my town is very kind and helps everyone.

Tuvimos una reunión con el cura para organizar el evento.

We had a meeting with the priest to organize the event.

Gender Exception

When 'cura' means 'priest,' it is masculine, even though it ends in '-a'. Always use 'el' or 'un' with it: 'el cura'.

Using the wrong article

Mistake: “La cura es muy viejo.”

Correction: El cura es muy viejo. (Because it refers to a man, the word is masculine.)

padre

/PA-dray//ˈpa.dɾe/

nounB1general
Use 'padre' when referring to a priest in a more formal or respectful capacity, often emphasizing their spiritual fatherhood or role in religious services.
A drawing of a Catholic priest in his vestments, standing in a church.

Examples

El padre dio la misa del domingo.

The priest gave the Sunday mass.

Necesito hablar con el Padre Francisco.

I need to speak with Father Francisco.

sacerdote

/sa-ser-DOH-teh//saθeɾˈdo.te/

nounB1formal
Use 'sacerdote' as a more formal or official term for a male priest, particularly when referring to their function as a religious official or in a more solemn context.
A smiling male priest wearing a black cassock and a white clerical collar, standing against a simple colored background.

Examples

El sacerdote ofició la boda en la iglesia principal.

The priest officiated the wedding in the main church.

Necesito hablar con un sacerdote sobre mis preocupaciones.

I need to speak with a priest about my concerns.

La comunidad se reunió para escuchar el sermón del joven sacerdote recién ordenado.

The community gathered to hear the sermon of the recently ordained young priest.

Masculine Noun Rule

Even though this word ends in '-e', it is always masculine. Use 'el' or 'un' before it: 'el sacerdote'.

Confusing Gender

Mistake: “La sacerdote visitó el hospital.”

Correction: El sacerdote visitó el hospital. (If referring to a male priest, the noun remains masculine.)

Cura vs. Padre vs. Sacerdote

Learners often confuse 'cura' and 'padre' because both can refer to a local priest. Remember that 'cura' is more informal and common in everyday speech, while 'padre' carries a tone of respect and is often used in religious services. 'Sacerdote' is the most formal and official term.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.