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How to Say "spiritual" in Spanish

English → Spanish

espiritual

es-pee-ree-TOO-ahlespiɾiˈtwal

adjectiveB1general
Use 'espiritual' when referring to a general connection to one's inner self, soul, or a non-physical aspect of life, not necessarily tied to organized religion.
A stylized illustration showing a simple, faceless human figure sitting peacefully. A bright, soft golden light is emanating from the center of the figure's chest, symbolizing the soul or inner being.

Examples

Ella busca una conexión más espiritual con la naturaleza.

She is looking for a more spiritual connection with nature.

El yoga es un ejercicio físico y espiritual.

Yoga is a physical and spiritual exercise.

Necesito tiempo para mi crecimiento espiritual.

I need time for my spiritual growth.

Adjective Form

The word 'espiritual' is the same whether you are describing a masculine or a feminine noun. You don't need to change the ending: 'un libro espiritual' (a spiritual book) and 'una paz espiritual' (a spiritual peace).

Pronunciation Stress

Mistake: “Misplacing the stress on the third syllable: 'es-PI-ri-tual'.”

Correction: The stress is on the last syllable, 'tual': es-pi-ri-TUAL. Remember, words ending in 'l' usually have the stress on the final syllable.

religioso

reh-lee-hee-OH-sohre.liˈxjo.so

adjectiveA2general
Choose 'religioso' when the spiritual aspect is directly related to a specific religion, deity, or religious practices.
A person kneeling in a peaceful, sunlit garden with hands folded in prayer.

Examples

Ella es una persona muy religiosa y va a la iglesia los domingos.

She is a very religious person and goes to church on Sundays.

La Semana Santa es un evento religioso importante en España.

Holy Week is an important religious event in Spain.

Matching the Person

This word must match the gender of the person or thing you are talking about. Use 'religioso' for masculine words (el niño) and 'religiosa' for feminine words (la niña).

Word Order

Mistake: “Un religioso evento.”

Correction: Un evento religioso.

místico

MEE-stee-kohˈmistiko

adjectiveB2general
Use 'místico' for spiritual experiences or qualities that are mysterious, transcendent, and often beyond ordinary understanding, suggesting a deeper, more esoteric connection.
A glowing golden light radiating from the center of a dense, dark green forest.

Examples

Esa montaña tiene un aura mística muy especial.

That mountain has a very special mystical aura.

El autor escribió una serie de poemas místicos sobre la paz.

The author wrote a series of mystical poems about peace.

Muchos dicen que tuvo una experiencia mística en el bosque.

Many say he had a mystical experience in the forest.

Adjective Agreement

Remember that this word must match the gender of the object it describes. Use 'místico' for masculine things and 'mística' for feminine things.

Positioning

This describing word usually comes after the noun (the thing) it describes, like 'un momento místico'.

Mistaking 'Místico' for 'Misterioso'

Mistake: “Using místico for a simple crime mystery.”

Correction: Use 'misterioso' for secrets or unknowns, and 'místico' only for spiritual or religious depths.

Espiritual vs. Religioso

Learners often confuse 'espiritual' and 'religioso'. Remember that 'religioso' specifically implies a connection to organized religion or a deity, while 'espiritual' is broader and can refer to inner life or non-physical connections without religious context.

Related Translations

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