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How to Say "sacrifice" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “sacrifice” is “sacrificio” — use 'sacrificio' when you are talking about the act of giving up something valuable, or when referring to a religious offering or ritual.

English → Spanish

sacrificio

sah-kree-FEE-syohsa.kɾiˈfi.sjo

nounA2general
Use 'sacrificio' when you are talking about the act of giving up something valuable, or when referring to a religious offering or ritual.
A colorful storybook illustration showing a child carefully placing a single, shiny red apple onto a large, empty wooden plate, symbolizing giving up something valuable.

Examples

Estudiar todos los días fue un gran sacrificio, pero valió la pena.

Studying every day was a great sacrifice, but it was worth it.

Mis padres hicieron muchos sacrificios para que yo pudiera ir a la universidad.

My parents made many sacrifices so that I could go to university.

Su sacrificio y disciplina la llevaron a ganar la medalla de oro.

Her dedication and discipline led her to win the gold medal.

Los antiguos mayas realizaban sacrificios en sus templos.

The ancient Mayans performed sacrifices in their temples.

Using 'Hacer'

To talk about making a sacrifice, Spanish uses the verb 'hacer' (to do/make): 'hacer un sacrificio'.

Verbs for Rituals

When referring to a ritual offering, you often use verbs like 'realizar' (to perform) or 'ofrecer' (to offer).

Verb Choice

Mistake: “Hizo mucho sacrificio.”

Correction: Hizo muchos sacrificios. (Often used in the plural when referring to multiple acts of effort or renunciation.)

costo

KOHS-tohˈkos.to

nounB1general
Choose 'costo' to refer to the effort, loss, or negative consequence required to achieve something, often in a more abstract or political sense.
A single, determined hiker stands exhausted but triumphant on the peak of a very steep green hill, symbolizing the effort and sacrifice required to reach a goal.

Examples

La decisión tuvo un costo político muy alto para el presidente.

The decision had a very high political cost for the president.

El éxito se logró, pero con un costo enorme en tiempo personal.

Success was achieved, but at an enormous cost in personal time.

Figurative Use

This meaning describes effort or consequences, often paired with abstract nouns like 'emocional' (emotional) or 'humano' (human).

coste

KOHS-tehˈkoste

nounB2formal
Use 'coste' similarly to 'costo' but often with a slightly more formal or European Spanish feel, emphasizing what is lost to achieve a goal.
A tired hiker sitting on a rock with a heavy backpack, wiping sweat from their forehead.

Examples

El éxito tuvo un gran coste personal para el atleta.

Success took a great personal toll on the athlete.

Ganar el juicio tuvo un coste emocional muy alto.

Winning the trial had a very high emotional cost.

No podemos permitirnos el coste humano de esta decisión.

We cannot afford the human cost of this decision.

Abstract Use

Just like in English, you can use 'cost' to talk about things that aren't money, like time, health, or happiness.

Confusing with 'Costa'

Mistake: “A toda coste.”

Correction: A toda costa. While 'coste' means expense, 'costa' is used in the specific idiom meaning 'at all costs'.

ofrenda

oh-fren-dahoˈfɾenda

nounA2general
Employ 'ofrenda' when referring to something presented or given up, typically for a higher purpose, such as a gift or an offering in a cultural or religious context.
A colorful arrangement of bright marigold flowers, a loaf of bread, and a small bowl of fruit on a wooden table.

Examples

Pusimos una ofrenda con fotos de mis abuelos.

We set up an altar with photos of my grandparents.

Llevaron flores como ofrenda a la iglesia.

They took flowers as an offering to the church.

Este concierto es una ofrenda a la paz mundial.

This concert is a tribute to world peace.

A feminine word

Since it ends in 'a,' this word is feminine. You should always use 'la' or 'una' with it (e.g., 'la ofrenda').

Verb pairing

In a ritual context, like Day of the Dead, we use the verb 'poner' (to put/place) to describe setting up the display.

Gift vs. Offering

Mistake: “Using 'ofrenda' for a birthday present.”

Correction: Use 'regalo' for birthday or Christmas gifts. Use 'ofrenda' only for religious, ritual, or symbolic tributes.

Sacrificio vs. Costo/Coste

Learners often confuse 'sacrificio' with 'costo' or 'coste'. Remember that 'sacrificio' focuses on the act of giving something up, often implying personal effort or loss. 'Costo' and 'coste' refer more to the price paid or the negative consequences incurred as a result of an action or decision.

Related Translations

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