Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| Cristo | /ˈkɾisto/ |
| Jesucristo | /xesuˈkɾisto/ /ʃesuˈkɾisto/ |
Cristo is used as a title or a standalone noun to refer to Jesus of Nazareth. In certain contexts, it also refers to a figure or an artistic depiction of Jesus. Additionally, the phrase ¡Por el amor de Cristo! is a common idiomatic exclamation used to express frustration or exasperation.
Which one should you use?
Cristo is used as a title or a standalone noun for the person. In contrast, Jesucristo is a compound form that combines the name Jesus with the title Christ.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Latin America, the term Cristo Redentor is used specifically to refer to the statue in Rio de Janeiro, known as Christ the Redeemer.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When referring specifically to a physical statue or an artistic depiction of Jesus, the definite article el is often used, as in el Cristo.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkɾisto/
When do people say it?
While Cristo is a religious title, note that related blasphemous interjections such as ¡hostia! or ¡me cago en Dios! exist in the language but are distinct from the religious title.
Did you know?
- The name Cristo shares a distant linguistic ancestor with the English word 'grease', both descending from the Proto-Indo-European root *gʰer-.
- In Spain, using the word Cristo in an exclamation of frustration is often a softer, more socially acceptable alternative to the more aggressive blasphemies mentioned on the page.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, ¡Cristo! can be used as a shorthand exclamation of surprise, similar to saying 'Good heavens!' in English.
Examples in context
- ¡Por el amor de Cristo!Christ!This sentence is useful for an idiomatic exclamation of frustration.Tatoeba #4554146 by swyter, translation #2650847 by meerkat
- Judas traicionó a Cristo.Judas betrayed Christ.This sentence is useful for describing a biblical event involving Cristo.Tatoeba #1966655 by hayastan, translation #12983784 by araneo
- Jesucristo es mi salvador.Jesus Christ is my saviour.This sentence is useful for expressing religious belief using Jesucristo.Tatoeba #12441922 by emma_zunz, translation #5699770 by abyssalalice
- En la liturgia cristiana, el nombre de "Cristo" es reverenciado y adorado.In the Christian liturgy, the name of "Christ" is revered and adored.
- Te ruego, Señor Jesucristo, que me guíes por el buen camino.I pray to you, Lord Jesus Christ, that you guide me along the right path.
- ¡Jesucristo! ¡No puedo creer lo que acabo de presenciar!Jesus Christ! I can't believe what I just witnessed!
- El Cristo Redentor es una atracción turística imperdible en Río de Janeiro.Christ the Redeemer is an unmissable tourist attraction in Rio de Janeiro.
- 16 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Mateo are walking past a large church.
- LucíaEsa estatua de Cristo es muy grande.That statue of Christ is very large.
- MateoSí, es impresionante.Yes, it is impressive.
- LucíaMateo, ¿te gusta el arte religioso?Mateo, do you like religious art?
- MateoUn poco, sí.A little, yes.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “Christ” translations and entries Cristo, Jesucristo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Cristo, Jesucristo, cristo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
