cardenal
/kaɾdeˈnal/masculine
In Spanish, the English word 'cardinal' (referring to an official of the Catholic Church) is translated as cardenal.
The word cardenal is used as a noun to refer to a high-ranking official within the Catholic Church. Note that the Spanish spelling differs from the English spelling of the same word used as an adjective to describe numbers of quantity or things of fundamental importance. In those cases, the Spanish word is cardinal.
Meaning: official of the Catholic Church (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some regions of Mexico, the cardinal bird is referred to as cardenillo.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the plural form, use cardenales.
How do you pronounce it?
/kaɾdeˈnal/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, cardenal is also the common word for a 'bruise' or 'hematoma' on the skin.
- The term cardenal stems from a Latin root that refers to a 'hinge', signifying the central or turning point of a structure.
- Because cardenal means both a church leader and a bruise, a sentence about a 'fallen cardinal' could be interpreted as a medical emergency or a political event.
Examples in context
- El cardenal Jorge Mario Bergoglio fue electo como papa.Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio has been elected pope.This sentence is useful for seeing the word cardenal used in a historical context regarding the election of a pope.Tatoeba #2304142 by marcelostockle, translation #2304068 by Hybrid
- El cardenal Bergoglio fue elegido Papa por el cónclave.Cardinal Bergoglio was elected Pope by the Conclave.This sentence is useful for seeing the word cardenal used in a sentence about a conclave.Tatoeba #2308740 by Espi, translation #2304070 by Hybrid
- El cardenal es uno de los principales líderes de la Iglesia Católica.The cardinal is one of the main leaders of the Catholic Church.
- El purpurado se reunió con los líderes eclesiásticos para discutir temas de importancia.The cardinal met with ecclesiastical leaders to discuss important matters.
- El cónclave de purpurados se llevará a cabo en la Capilla Sixtina.The conclave of cardinals will take place in the Sistine Chapel.
- El pájaro cardenal tiene un plumaje vibrante y hermoso.The cardinal bird has vibrant and beautiful plumage.
- Los pájaros cardenales cantan muy melodiosamente al amanecer.Cardinal birds sing very melodically at dawn.
- El cardenal dará un discurso hoy.The cardinal will give a speech today.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a news report about a religious event.
- Daniel¿Viste la noticia sobre el cardenal?Did you see the news about the cardinal?
- LucíaNo, ¿qué pasó con él?No, what happened with him?
- DanielEl cardenal visitará la catedral mañana.The cardinal will visit the cathedral tomorrow.
- LucíaEso es una noticia muy importante.That is very important news.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cardinal” translations and entries cardenal, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cardenal, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
