obispo
/oˈbispo/masculine
The Spanish word for bishop is obispo.
obispo is a noun used to describe a church official who serves as a supervisor of priests and congregations.
Meaning: church official, supervisor of priests and congregations (noun)
Which one should you use?
While obispo is the standard term for a bishop, Arzobispo is used specifically to refer to an archbishop and Obispo auxiliar refers to an auxiliary bishop.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
obispo is a masculine noun used to refer to a male bishop. To refer to a female bishop, use the feminine form obispa. The plural form of the word is obispos.
How do you pronounce it?
/oˈbispo/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word obispo shares its DNA with the English word 'scope', as both trace back to the Greek word for 'watching' or 'looking at'.
- In traditional Spanish ecclesiastical protocol, an obispo is often addressed as Excelencia rather than by their name.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, the phrase el obispo is used colloquially in games of chess to refer to the bishop piece.
Examples in context
- El obispo se apiadó de los desesperados inmigrantes.The bishop took pity on the desperate immigrants.This sentence shows the use of obispo in a context of compassion.Tatoeba #1501383 by marcelostockle, translation #266308 by CM
- Yanni es obispo.Yanni is a bishop.This sentence is a simple way to state that someone is an obispo.Tatoeba #13597913 by Seael, translation #9977835 by Amastan
- El obispo sintió lástima por los inmigrantes que fueron abandonados, y les brindó ayuda.The bishop felt pity for the immigrants who were abandoned, and gave them help.This sentence illustrates the use of obispo regarding someone providing help to others.Tatoeba #7090765 by Eremon, translation #245502 by CK
- María asistió a la ceremonia de ordenación de un nuevo obispo.Maria attended the ordination ceremony of a new bishop.
- El obispo pronunció un emotivo discurso en la misa de Navidad.The bishop delivered an emotional speech during the Christmas mass.
- Durante la visita del papa, el obispo auxiliar hizo los honores en nombre del obispo titular.During the pope's visit, the auxiliary bishop represented the titular bishop.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Daniel are discussing a local church event.
- ElenaDaniel, ¿vienes a la misa del domingo?Daniel, are you coming to Sunday's mass?
- DanielSí, el obispo visitará nuestra parroquia.Yes, the bishop will visit our parish.
- Elena¿Cuándo llega el obispo exactamente?When exactly does the bishop arrive?
- DanielLlegará a las diez de la mañana.He will arrive at ten in the morning.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bishop” translations and entries obispo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries obispo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
