Saint-Esprit
/sɛ̃.t‿ɛs.pʁi/masculine
In French, the English phrase 'holy spirit' is translated as Saint-Esprit. Wiktionary also lists Esprit-Saint.
Meaning: Christian: person of the Holy Trinity (name)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Saint-Esprit | /sɛ̃.t‿ɛs.pʁi/ | masculine |
| Esprit-Saint | /ɛs.pʁi.sɛ̃/ | masculine |
In a Christian context, the term refers to the person of the Holy Trinity.
Which one should you use?
Both Esprit-Saint and Saint-Esprit are used to mean the Holy Spirit, though Saint-Esprit is the default form.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase is a masculine noun phrase and is used with the definite article le. When used after the preposition de, the article le contracts to form du (e.g., du Saint-Esprit).
How do you pronounce it?
/sɛ̃.t‿ɛs.pʁi/
Did you know?
- The word esprit is used in the French term for 'alcohol' or 'spirits', such as esprit-de-vin for ethanol, mirroring the English usage but using the same word as the divine phrase.
- The French language distinguishes between the 'spirit' as a ghost (fantôme) and the 'spirit' as the essence or soul (esprit), meaning Saint-Esprit cannot be replaced by Saint-Fantôme.
- The word esprit in this phrase shares the same root as the English word 'respiration', coming from the Latin 'spiritus' meaning 'breath'.
Examples in context
- Jésus-Christ a averti que le blasphème contre le Saint-Esprit ne sera pas pardonné.Jesus Christ warned that blasphemy against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.This sentence is useful for seeing the phrase used in the context of blasphemy.Tatoeba #8734316 by Julien_PDC, translation #8311372 by Ivanovb
- La grâce du Seigneur Jésus-Christ, l'amour de Dieu et la communion du Saint-Esprit soient avec vous tous. Amen.The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all. Amen.This sentence shows how the phrase is used in a traditional blessing.Tatoeba #8734332 by Julien_PDC, translation #8185383 by Hybrid
- Au nom du Père, et du Fils, et du Saint-Esprit.In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.This sentence demonstrates the phrase being used in a Trinitarian invocation.Tatoeba #12131894 by Adelpa, translation #10090291 by ddnktr
- L'Esprit Saint est le troisième élément de la Trinité catholiqueThe Holy Spirit is the third element of the Catholic Trinity
- Les croyants célèbrent la venue du Saint-Esprit à la PentecôteBelievers celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost
- Le Saint-Esprit m'accompagne dans ma vie quotidienneThe Holy Spirit accompanies me in my daily life
- Ma prière quotidienne est souvent adressée à l'Esprit Saint.My daily prayer is often directed to the Holy Spirit.
- Nous croyons que le Saint-Esprit nous guide dans nos choix.We believe that the Holy Spirit guides us in our choices.
- Le Saint-Esprit est vénéré dans de nombreuses religions.The Holy Spirit is revered in many religions.
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo and Emma are discussing their faith in a church.
- HugoJe crois en la puissance du Saint-Esprit.I believe in the power of the Holy Spirit.
- EmmaMoi aussi, il me guide chaque jour.Me too, he guides me every day.
- HugoC'est une présence très forte dans ma vie.It is a very strong presence in my life.
- EmmaLe Saint-Esprit nous apporte la paix intérieure.The Holy Spirit brings us inner peace.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “holy spirit” translations and entries Saint-Esprit, Esprit-Saint, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
