altar
/alˈtaɾ/masculine
The English word altar is translated into Spanish as altar. Wiktionary also lists ara.
Meaning: flat-topped structure used for religious rites (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| altar | /alˈtaɾ/ | masculine |
| ara | /ˈaɾa/ | feminine |
The term refers to a flat-topped structure used for religious rites.
Which one should you use?
altar is the standard word for a religious altar, whereas ara is a more literary or archaic term used to refer to a sacrificial altar.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the preposition a (to) with the masculine article el (the), they contract to form al, as seen in the phrase al altar.
How do you pronounce it?
/alˈtaɾ/
Did you know?
- In Mexico, the tradition of ofrendas involves creating temporary domestic altars to welcome the spirits of deceased loved ones during the Day of the Dead.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, the phrase subir al altar is used as a poetic euphemism for getting married.
- The word altar has been documented in Spanish literature as far back as the 'Cantar de Mio Cid', one of the oldest epic poems in the language.
Examples in context
- El novio huyó del altar.The groom left the bride standing at the altar.This sentence is useful for describing a groom leaving a bride at the altar using altar.Tatoeba #1105193 by Shishir, translation #1388154 by CK
- Me dirigí al altar y me arrodillé.I headed to the altar and fell to my knees.This sentence is useful for describing the action of heading to the altar using altar.Tatoeba #2926938 by hayastan, translation #10140939 by DJ_Saidez
- ¿Prometés que no me vas a abandonar en el altar?You promise me you won't leave me before the altar?This sentence is useful for asking a promise about not being abandoned at the altar using altar.Tatoeba #1281799 by hayastan, translation #1388173 by marcelostockle
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and Sofía are visiting an old cathedral.
- MateoMira qué hermoso es ese altar de mármol.Look how beautiful that marble altar is.
- SofíaEs verdad, Mateo, es impresionante.It is true, Mateo, it is impressive.
- Mateo¿Ves las decoraciones que tiene el altar?Do you see the decorations on the altar?
- SofíaSí, las veo desde aquí.Yes, I see them from here.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “altar” translations and entries altar, ara, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries altar, ara, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
