Espíritu Santo
/esˌpiɾitu ˈsanto/masculine
The English phrase 'holy spirit' is translated into Spanish as Espíritu Santo.
In a Christian context, Espíritu Santo refers to the person of the Holy Trinity.
Meaning: Christian: person of the Holy Trinity (name)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of espíritu (spirit) and santo (holy).
How does it change in a sentence?
Because espíritu is a masculine noun, the definite article used is el. When following the preposition de (of), the article el contracts to form del Espíritu Santo. When following the preposition a (to), the article el contracts to form al Espíritu Santo.
How do you pronounce it?
/esˌpiɾitu ˈsanto/
Did you know?
- While Espíritu Santo is the standard term, Spanish speakers may use la paloma (the dove) as a visual and linguistic shorthand for the Holy Spirit in art and poetry.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the phrase Espíritu Santo is often used in place names for towns or rivers, reflecting the deep influence of the Catholic Church on geography.
- The word espíritu comes from the Latin 'spirare', which means 'to breathe'.
Examples in context
- Gloria al Padre, al Hijo y al Espíritu Santo.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.This sentence is useful for showing how to give glory to the Father, Son and Espíritu Santo.Tatoeba #10048024 by manufrutos, translation #10048010 by ddnktr
- En el nombre del Padre y del Hijo y del Espíritu Santo.In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.This sentence is useful for the phrase 'in the name of the Father, the Son and the Espíritu Santo'.Tatoeba #10092975 by manufrutos, translation #10090291 by ddnktr
- El Padre, el Hijo y el Espíritu Santo forman la Santísima Trinidad.The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit form the Holy Trinity.This sentence is useful for describing how the Father, Son and Espíritu Santo form the Holy Trinity.Tatoeba #1482341 by marcelostockle, translation #13038547 by araneo
- Recibimos el Espíritu Santo durante la ceremoniaWe received the Holy Spirit during the ceremony
- Rogamos al Santísimo Espíritu que nos guíeWe pray to the Holy Spirit to guide us
- La presencia del Espíritu Santo es reconfortanteThe presence of the Holy Spirit is comforting
- El Espíritu Santo está presente en nuestras vidasThe Holy Spirit is present in our lives
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofia and Mateo are praying in a small chapel.
- SofíaPido la guía del Espíritu Santo.I ask for the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
- MateoQue el Espíritu Santo te acompañe, Sofía.May the Holy Spirit accompany you, Sofia.
- SofíaAmén, gracias por tus palabras, Mateo.Amen, thank you for your words, Mateo.
- MateoDe nada, siempre es bueno orar.You're welcome, it is always good to pray.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “holy spirit” translations and entries Espíritu Santo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Espíritu Santo, espíritu, santo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
