crucifijo
/kɾuθiˈfixo/
The English word crucifix is translated into Spanish as crucifijo.
crucifijo refers to a sculptural representation.
Meaning: sculptural representation (noun)
Which one should you use?
It is important to distinguish between crucifijo and cruz. While crucifijo refers specifically to the sculptural object (the crucifix), cruz refers to the cross itself.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In parts of Spain, you can use the phrase la imagen de Cristo crucificado instead of el crucifijo. In parts of Central Mexico, the noun el cristo can be used to refer to a crucifix.
How do you pronounce it?
/kɾuθiˈfixo/
Did you know?
- The word crucifijo shares a root with the English word 'fix', as both come from the Latin word for fastening or nailing something in place.
- Unlike the English word 'crucifix', using crucifijo as a metaphor to describe a person would be seen as bizarre or an unusual insult in Spanish.
Examples in context
- Me encanta el crucifijo que hay en la iglesia.I love the crucifix in the church.
- Mi abuela siempre lleva una cruz alrededor del cuello.My grandmother always wears a crucifix around her neck.
- Fui a la capilla y vi el Cristo que está en el altar.I went to the chapel and saw the crucifix on the altar.
- El crucifijo de plata está en el altar.The silver crucifix is on the altar.
- El crucifijo es de madera.The crucifix is made of wood.
- Ella compró un crucifijo de plata.She bought a silver crucifix.
- Hay un crucifijo en la pared.There is a crucifix on the wall.
Example conversation
A couple is looking at decorations in an antique shop.
- Mateo¿Te gusta ese crucifijo antiguo?Do you like that antique crucifix?
- SofíaSí, es muy bonito, Mateo.Yes, it is very beautiful, Mateo.
- MateoPodríamos comprarlo para nuestra casa.We could buy it for our house.
- SofíaEs una excelente idea.It is an excellent idea.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “crucifix” translations and entries crucifijo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries crucifijo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
