catedral
/kateˈdɾal/feminine
The Spanish word for cathedral is catedral.
catedral is a noun referring to a large church building. It is also used as an adjective to describe things relating to the office of a bishop or an archbishop.
Meaning: big church building (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico City, the main cathedral is known as the Catedral Metropolitana. The full name Catedral Metropolitana de la Ciudad de México translates to 'Metropolitan Cathedral of Mexico City'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
As a feminine noun, catedral is used with the feminine article la (e.g., la catedral).
How do you pronounce it?
/kateˈdɾal/
Did you know?
- To say someone is 'giving a masterclass' or speaking with absolute authority, Spanish speakers use the phrase dar cátedra, regardless of whether a church or school is involved.
- The word catedral is fundamentally about furniture, as it derives from the Greek word for 'seat'. It does not originally refer to the building itself, but to the physical chair used by a bishop.
- Spanish speakers use the related word cátedra to describe a university professorship or a high academic position. Just as a bishop has his 'seat' in a catedral, a distinguished professor holds a 'seat' of knowledge.
Examples in context
- Esta catedral tiene un techo abovedado.This cathedral has a vaulted ceiling.This sentence describes a specific feature of the catedral.Tatoeba #10727054 by Seael, translation #7888329 by Hybrid
- Los funerales se celebrarán en la catedral.Funeral services will take place in the cathedral.This sentence explains where funeral services will be held in the catedral.Tatoeba #2265972 by cueyayotl, translation #2265971 by _undertoad
- Los frescos de la catedral son muy interesantes.The frescoes of the cathedral are very interesting.This sentence highlights the interesting frescoes found in the catedral.Tatoeba #2268149 by cueyayotl, translation #2268148 by _undertoad
- La catedral de Barcelona es impresionante.The Barcelona Cathedral is impressive.
- Vamos a la catedral después de la comida.Let's go to the cathedral after lunch.
- La Catedral Metropolitana de la Ciudad de México es la más antigua del continente americano.The Metropolitan Cathedral of Mexico City is the oldest in the Americas.
- 18 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Sofía are walking through a historic city.
- Daniel¿Ves esa catedral enorme allí?Do you see that huge cathedral over there?
- SofíaSí, es impresionante, Daniel.Yes, it is impressive, Daniel.
- DanielEntremos a conocer la catedral.Let's go inside to see the cathedral.
- SofíaMe parece una buena idea.I think that is a good idea.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cathedral” translations and entries catedral, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries catedral, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
