Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| oración | /oɾaˈθjon/ /oɾaˈsjon/ |
feminine |
| rezo | /ˈreθo/ /ˈreso/ |
masculine |
| plegaria | /pleˈɡaɾja/ | feminine |
The term refers to the practice of communicating with God. In religious contexts, oración can refer to the specific words spoken or the general time set aside for communication with God. It is the most common and general word for prayer.
Which one should you use?
While oración is the general term, it is also the standard word for a grammatical sentence. Rezo refers more specifically to the physical or repetitive act of reciting prayers (like the Rosary) rather than the concept of prayer itself. Plegaria carries a more formal, poetic or desperate tone, often used when one is making a heartfelt plea to a deity.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Latin America, it is common to use the term rezo for both formal and informal situations. In Spain, the phrase elevar una plegaria means to offer a prayer.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun rezo is derived from the common verb rezar, which is the most frequent way to express the action of praying.
How do you pronounce it?
/oɾaˈθjon/
Did you know?
- The word oración shares its Latin root, ōrō, with the English word 'oration', meaning a formal speech.
- While rezo is used for both formal and informal prayer in Latin America, it is more strictly used for repetitive recitations in Spain.
Examples in context
- Dios, oye mi plegaria.God, hear my prayer.This sentence shows how to use plegaria in a direct address to God.Tatoeba #1195822 by marcelostockle, translation #1196590 by nadsat
- ¿Cuál es tu oración favorita?What is your favorite prayer?This sentence demonstrates how to ask about a favorite oración.Tatoeba #539937 by Shishir, translation #1430154 by marcelostockle
- Es un poco tarde para plegarias.It's a little late for prayer.This sentence shows the use of plegaria to indicate timing.Tatoeba #4637470 by lawka, translation #1120375 by CM
- Dios bendigaGod bless
- Padre celestialHeavenly Father
- Dios, ayúdame en este momento difícilGod, help me in this difficult moment
- Gracias, Señor, por este nuevo díaThank you, Lord, for this new day
- María Santísima, ruega por nosotrosHoly Mary, pray for us
- Dios, bendice esta comidaGod, bless this food
- Que Dios te bendigaMay God bless you
- 11 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Sofía are visiting a quiet chapel.
- JavierSofía, ¿quieres decir una oración?Sofía, do you want to say a prayer?
- SofíaSí, me gustaría dedicar una oración a mi abuela.Yes, I would like to dedicate a prayer to my grandmother.
- JavierTómate tu tiempo, no tenemos prisa.Take your time, we are in no rush.
- SofíaGracias, Javier. Ya terminé mi oración.Thank you, Javier. I have finished my prayer.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “prayer” translations and entries oración, rezo, plegaria, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries oración, plegaria, rezo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
