pagano
/paˈɡano/
The Spanish word for 'heathen' is pagano.
The term refers to a person who does not follow an Abrahamic religion. While it is the direct translation for 'heathen' in a religious context, it is more commonly used in Spanish to mean 'pagan', referring to someone who follows non-Abrahamic polytheistic traditions.
Meaning: person who does not follow an Abrahamic religion (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun pagano changes based on gender and number. Use pagana to refer to a female heathen. For a group of heathens or a mixed-gender group, use the masculine plural paganos. If you are referring exclusively to a group of female heathens, use the feminine plural paganas.
How do you pronounce it?
/paˈɡano/
Did you know?
- The word pagano comes from the Latin word 'paganus', which originally meant 'pertaining to the countryside' or 'villager'.
- The transition from 'villager' to 'non-believer' occurred because the rural populations were the last to convert to Christianity in the Roman Empire.
- If you use the adjective form to describe something as pagano, you might be describing something that is wild, untamed, or related to nature, rather than strictly religious.
Examples in context
- Mi hermano es un infiel, no va a la iglesia ni sigue ninguna tradición religiosa.My brother is a heathen, he doesn't go to church or follow any religious traditions.
- El hombre era un pagano.The man was a heathen.
- Ellos fueron llamados paganos.They were called heathens.
- Ese grupo es de origen pagano.That group is of pagan origin.
Example conversation
Sofía and Daniel are discussing their beliefs.
- SofíaDaniel, ¿estás interesado en el neopaganismo?Daniel, are you interested in neopaganism?
- DanielSí, me siento más como un pagano.Yes, I feel more like a heathen.
- SofíaEso es muy interesante, Daniel.That is very interesting, Daniel.
- DanielGracias por escucharme, Sofía.Thank you for listening to me, Sofía.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry pagano, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pagano, CC BY-SA 4.0.
