How to Say "to worship" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to worship” is “alabar” — use 'alabar' when you want to express praise or commendation, similar to 'to praise' or 'to laud', which can be used in both religious and secular contexts..
alabar
/ah-lah-BAR//alaˈβaɾ/
Examples
El crítico alabó la nueva película.
The critic praised the new movie.
El profesor alabó el esfuerzo de sus estudiantes.
The teacher praised his students' effort.
Es importante alabar los logros de los demás.
It is important to praise the achievements of others.
Los críticos alabaron la nueva película por su originalidad.
Critics praised the new movie for its originality.
Using the 'Personal A'
When you praise a specific person or group of people, you must put the word 'a' before them. For example: 'Alabo a mi madre' (I praise my mother).
A Regular Pattern
This verb follows the standard rules for all '-ar' verbs, making it very easy to conjugate once you know the basics.
Don't confuse with 'gustar'
Mistake: “Me alaba la comida.”
Correction: Me gusta la comida. 'Alabar' means to actively express praise, not just to like something.
adorar
/ah-doh-rahr//a.ðoˈɾaɾ/
Examples
Los seguidores adoraban a su líder espiritual.
The followers worshipped their spiritual leader.
Muchas culturas antiguas adoraban al sol.
Many ancient cultures worshipped the sun.
Los fieles entraron a la iglesia para adorar.
The faithful entered the church to worship.
Direct Object with Religion
Even in a religious sense, if you are worshipping a specific entity like 'Dios' or 'una deidad', you still use the 'a' because they are treated as persons.
venerar
/beh-neh-RAHR//be.neˈɾaɾ/
Examples
Ella veneraba las cartas de su abuela.
She venerated her grandmother's letters.
Los fieles suelen venerar las reliquias de los santos.
The faithful usually venerate the relics of the saints.
Es una cultura que enseña a los niños a venerar a sus antepasados.
It is a culture that teaches children to revere their ancestors.
Muchos músicos jóvenes veneran la obra de este gran compositor.
Many young musicians revere the work of this great composer.
The 'Personal a' with People
When you are venerating a specific person (like a saint or a hero), you must put 'a' before the person's name or title, as in 'Venero a mi abuela'.
A Regular -ar Verb
Good news! This word follows the exact same pattern as 'hablar' or 'cantar' in every single form.
Venerar vs. Gustar
Mistake: “Me venera el chocolate.”
Correction: Me encanta el chocolate. Only use 'venerar' for intense, spiritual-like respect, not for things you simply enjoy eating or doing.
Distinguishing 'Alabar' from 'Adorar'/'Venerar'
Related Translations
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