rezo
/ˈreθo/
The English phrase 'I pray' is translated into Spanish as rezo.
rezo is used to indicate that you are communicating with a deity through prayer. When you specify the deity you are praying to, use the preposition a, such as rezo a Dios (I pray to God). If you are praying on behalf of someone or for a specific intention, use the preposition por, such as rezo por la paz (I pray for peace).
Which one should you use?
While rezo is the verb form meaning 'I pray', the noun el rezo refers to 'the prayer' itself, meaning the act or the recitation.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form rezo is the first-person singular present indicative of the verb rezar.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈreθo/
Did you know?
- If you are using the phrase in a non-religious context, be careful, as rezar is strictly reserved for spiritual or formal recitation and cannot be used to mean 'hope' or 'wish' like the English 'I pray' in 'I pray you behave'.
- The word rezo comes from the Latin recitāre, which means 'to recite' or 'to read aloud'. This shows that in early Spanish, praying was viewed more as a formal recitation of a text than a spontaneous conversation.
- While rezo is used for religious prayer, Spanish speakers often use the verb orar for more intimate or spontaneous communication with God. The two words are not always interchangeable depending on the denomination or tradition.
Examples in context
- Rezo por Tom casi todos los días.I pray for Tom almost every day.This sentence shows how to use rezo when praying for someone.Tatoeba #1745884 by marcelostockle, translation #1740685 by Amastan
- Todos los días, cuando me levanto, le rezo a Dios y me lavo los dientes.Every day, when I get up, I pray to God and brush my teeth.This sentence demonstrates using rezo to express praying to a deity.Tatoeba #1472637 by hayastan, translation #6358968 by Adelpa
- Rezo para que Dios me perdone.I pray that God will forgive me.This sentence shows the use of rezo when praying for a specific outcome.Tatoeba #3429823 by carlosalberto, translation #3428757 by Hybrid
- Rezo por la paz mundial.I pray for world peace.
- Elevo mis oraciones por la salud de todos.I raise my prayers for everyone's health.
- Le pido a Dios por su pronta recuperación.I pray to God for your speedy recovery.
- Rezo por ti todos los días.I pray for you every day.
- Oro por mi familia y amigos.I pray for my family and friends.
- Rezo para encontrar la paz interior.I pray to find inner peace.
- Oro por un mundo mejor.I pray for a better world.
- Elevo mis oraciones en momentos de dificultad.I raise my prayers in times of hardship.
Example conversation
Lucía and Daniel are talking about their morning routine at home.
- Lucía¿Por qué te levantas tan temprano?Why do you get up so early?
- DanielRezo un poco antes de desayunar.I pray a little before eating breakfast.
- LucíaEs un hábito muy bonito, Daniel.It is a very beautiful habit, Daniel.
- DanielGracias, Lucía, me da mucha paz.Thank you, Lucía, it gives me a lot of peace.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry rezo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries rezo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
