ateo
/aˈteo/
The English word "atheist" is translated into Spanish as ateo.
The term is used to describe a person who lacks belief in deities. The standard, neutral term for an atheist in Spanish is ateo/a.
Meaning: a person (merely) lacking belief in deities (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The word changes based on the gender and number of the person you are describing. Use ateo for a masculine singular subject, atea for a feminine singular subject, ateos for masculine plural subjects and ateas for feminine plural subjects.
How do you pronounce it?
/aˈteo/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish contexts, calling someone an ateo can be used as a sharp insult or a moral judgment rather than a simple description of their beliefs.
- While English usually applies 'atheist' to people, Spanish allows the word ateo to describe inanimate concepts, such as an universo ateo.
- Because of the deep influence of Catholicism, people in many Spanish-speaking countries may describe themselves as no creyente ('non-believer') to avoid the perceived harshness of the word ateo.
Examples in context
- El cura es ateo.The priest is an atheist.This sentence uses ateo to describe a priest.Tatoeba #4159759 by hayastan, translation #2779968 by Hybrid
- Gracias a Dios que soy ateo.Thank God I'm an atheist.This sentence uses ateo to express a personal identity.Tatoeba #5011952 by don_ramon, translation #11065435 by shekitten
- Le doy gracias a Dios por ser ateo.I thank God for making me an atheist.This sentence uses ateo to express gratitude for one's lack of belief.Tatoeba #5011951 by don_ramon, translation #9086933 by DJ_Saidez
- 21 more sentences on Tatoeba
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ateo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
