How To Say "Church" In Spanish
Are you interested in knowing how to say church in Spanish? If so, you are in the right place. In this article, we will cover the meaning of “church” in Spanish, regional differences, and provide you with a guide on how to translate “church” to Spanish.
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What is "Church" in Spanish?
The word for church in Spanish is "iglesia" (IPA: /iˈɣle.sja/), and it is derived from the Greek word "ekklesia" meaning "assembly". This term is used to refer to both the physical building and the congregation of worshippers.
Meaning of "Church" in Spanish
In the Spanish-speaking world, the church has been a significant part of the culture for centuries. Religion has played a critical role in shaping society and shaping the way people live their lives. As such, the word "iglesia" carries significant cultural and religious meaning.
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Regional Differences
Like many words in the Spanish language, there are regional differences in how the word "iglesia" is used. For example, in Mexico, "iglesia" is often used interchangeably with "templo", while in Spain, "templo" refers to a temple, and "iglesia" is used specifically for a church.
In some Latin American countries, the word "iglesia" is also used to refer to the governmental administration of a town or city, which is led by a local priest. However, this usage is archaic and not commonly used in modern Spanish.
Translating “Church” to Spanish
Now that you know what "church" means in Spanish and some of the regional differences, let us take a look at how to translate "church" to Spanish. Here are a few options:
- Iglesia
- Templo (IPA: /ˈtem.plo/)
- Parroquia (IPA: /paˈro.ki.a/)
- Catedral (IPA: /ka.teˈdɾal/)
- Basílica (IPA: /baˈsi.li.ka/)
These words are all used to refer to a church or place of worship, but they each have a slightly different connotation. "Iglesia" and "templo" are the most commonly used words for "church", while "parroquia" is used to refer to a parish, which may include multiple churches. "Catedral" refers specifically to a cathedral, which is a large and important church that is the seat of a bishop. Finally, "basílica" is a term used for a large and important church that has been given the status of a basilica by the pope.
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How to Say "Church" in Spanish: Sample Sentences
Here are five sample sentences you can use to say "church" in Spanish:
- La iglesia está cerrada los lunes.
(The church is closed on Mondays.)
- Hay una iglesia en cada esquina de la ciudad.
(There is a church on every corner of the city.)
- Me gusta visitar la catedral cuando voy a la ciudad.
(I like to visit the cathedral when I go to the city.)
- ¿Dónde está la parroquia más cercana?
(Where is the nearest parish?)
- Se casaron en la iglesia parroquial.
(They got married in the parish church.)
Conclusion
In conclusion, "iglesia" is the most common and widely used word for "church" in Spanish, although there are regional differences in how the term is used. Other options include "templo", "parroquia", "catedral", and "basílica". Whether you are traveling to a Spanish-speaking country or simply expanding your vocabulary, knowing how to say church in Spanish can be helpful in many different situations.