Cuaresma
/kwaˈɾesma/
Cuaresma is the Spanish word for catholic lent.
Cuaresma refers to the forty-day period of fasting and repentance leading up to Easter in the Christian calendar. When referring to the liturgical season, it is almost always preceded by the definite article la.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, you may hear the term La Cuaresma.
How do you pronounce it?
/kwaˈɾesma/
When do people say it?
The term is used by both Catholic and many Protestant denominations in Spanish-speaking countries to refer to the season of Lent.
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, Cuaresma is used as a colloquial metaphor to describe any period of intense hardship or strict discipline, regardless of whether the context is religious.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, the season of Cuaresma is traditionally marked by a massive surge in the consumption of 'bacalao', or salted cod.
- The word Cuaresma is a linguistic doublet of cuadragésima, meaning both words share the same Latin root but entered the Spanish language through different paths.
Examples in context
- Durante la Cuaresma Católica, muchos creyentes eligen ayunar y reflexionar sobre su fe.During Catholic Lent, many believers choose to fast and reflect on their faith.
- La Cuaresma comienza pronto.Lent begins soon.
- Muchos ayunan durante la Cuaresma.Many people fast during Lent.
- Estamos en plena Cuaresma.We are in the middle of Lent.
Example conversation
Sofía and Daniel are discussing their religious traditions.
- Sofía¿Vas a cumplir con la Cuaresma este año?Are you going to observe Lent this year?
- DanielSí, Sofía, voy a rezar más.Yes, Sofía, I am going to pray more.
- SofíaQué bueno que seas tan devoto.It is good that you are so devout.
- DanielEs un tiempo importante para mí.It is an important time for me.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Cuaresma, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Cuaresma, cuaresma, CC BY-SA 4.0.
