Inklingo

How to Say "sacrifice" in Spanish

English → Spanish

sacrificio

sah-kree-FEE-syoh/sa.kɾiˈfi.sjo/

nounA2general
Use 'sacrificio' when you are talking about giving up something valuable, like time or a possession, for a greater goal or reason. It also refers to religious offerings.
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.)

sacrificio

sah-kree-FEE-syoh/sa.kɾiˈfi.sjo/

nounB2religious/historical
Use this sense of 'sacrificio' when referring to a religious offering or a ritualistic act, often found in historical or cultural contexts.
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

Los antiguos mayas realizaban sacrificios en sus templos.

The ancient Mayans performed sacrifices in their temples.

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.

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-toh/ˈkos.to/

nounB1general/formal
Use 'costo' when the focus is on the negative consequence, loss, or effort resulting from a decision or action, especially in political or economic contexts.
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).

Sacrificio vs. Costo

Learners often use 'sacrificio' when they mean 'costo'. Remember that 'sacrificio' implies giving something up willingly for a purpose, while 'costo' refers to the unavoidable loss or price paid, often as a consequence.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.