cuerpo de Cristo
/kweɾpo de kɾisto/from spelling rules
The English phrase "body of Christ" is translated into Spanish as cuerpo de Cristo.
This term refers to the bread of the eucharist. You may also encounter the term la hostia to refer specifically to the consecrated bread (the host).
Meaning: the bread of the eucharist (name)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a literal translation: cuerpo means "body" and de Cristo means "of Christ".
How does it change in a sentence?
In a complete sentence, the phrase is typically preceded by the definite article el (the) to form el cuerpo de Cristo.
How do you pronounce it?
/kweɾpo de kɾisto/
Did you know?
- While cuerpo de Cristo describes the substance, the word hostia is often used colloquially in Spain to describe a blow or a heavy hit, such as 'darse una hostia' meaning 'to take a fall'.
- Beyond the religious context, the word cristo is often used in Spanish to describe a chaotic mess or a complicated disaster, such as saying '¡Menudo cristo!' to mean 'What a disaster!'
- While cuerpo de Cristo is the theological term, the word hostia specifically comes from the Latin word for 'victim' or 'sacrificial animal'.
Examples in context
- La Eucaristía es el Cuerpo de Cristo.The Eucharist is the Body of Christ.
- La misa culmina con la recepción del Cuerpo de Cristo.The mass culminates with the reception of the Body of Christ.
- Es importante respetar el Cuerpo de Cristo durante la comunión.It is important to respect the Body of Christ during communion.
- El cura nos dio el Cuerpo de Cristo durante la misa.The priest gave us the Body of Christ during mass.
- La devoción al Cuerpo de Cristo es una parte central de nuestra fe.Devotion to the Body of Christ is a central part of our faith.
- La hostia es el cuerpo de Cristo.The host is the body of Christ.
- Recibimos el cuerpo de Cristo en la misa.We receive the body of Christ during Mass.
- Ella meditaba sobre el cuerpo de Cristo.She was meditating on the body of Christ.
Example conversation
Mateo and Sofía are talking after attending a Catholic mass.
- MateoSofía, ¿fuiste a comulgar hoy?Sofía, did you go to communion today?
- SofíaSí, Mateo, recibí el cuerpo de Cristo.Yes, Mateo, I received the body of Christ.
- MateoYo también lo hice hace un momento.I did it too a moment ago.
- SofíaFue una ceremonia muy bonita.It was a very beautiful ceremony.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
