Inklingo

How to Say "spiritual" in Spanish

English → Spanish

espiritual

es-pee-ree-TOO-ahl/espiɾiˈtwal/

adjectiveB1general
Use 'espiritual' when referring to a connection to one's inner self, the soul, or a sense of transcendence that isn't 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-soh//re.liˈxjo.so/

adjectiveA2general
Choose 'religioso' when the context directly involves religious faith, deities, worship, or adherence to the doctrines of a specific religion.
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.

Espiritual vs. Religioso

The most common mistake is using 'religioso' when you mean 'espiritual' in a non-religious sense. Remember, 'religioso' implies a connection to organized religion or specific beliefs, while 'espiritual' is broader and can refer to inner peace or soulfulness without religious ties.

Related Translations

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