incienso
/inˈθjenso/masculine
In Spanish, incense is incienso. Wiktionary also lists sahumerio.
Meaning: material burnt for fragrant smoke (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| incienso | /inˈθjenso/ /inˈsjenso/ |
masculine |
| sahumerio | /sauˈmeɾjo/ | masculine |
The word refers to the material burnt to produce fragrant smoke. When speaking about the action of using it, you will typically use the verb prender (to light) or quemar (to burn), such as in the phrase prender incienso.
Which one should you use?
While incienso refers to the substance itself, sahumerio can refer to the incense or the specific ritual object/smoke used in cleansing ceremonies.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Incienso is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/inˈθjenso/
When do people say it?
In Spanish-speaking countries, incense is often associated with Catholicism and used during important ceremonies or rituals.
Did you know?
- The word incienso shares the same Latin root as the English word 'incendiary' and the Spanish verb encender meaning 'to turn on' or 'to light'.
- In many Spanish-speaking households, the practice of sahumar the house is a traditional way to welcome the new year and remove bad luck.
- While incienso often refers to commercial sticks or church resins, a traditional sahumerio frequently uses 'copal', a resin from the Copal tree native to Mexico and Central America.
Examples in context
- Aquí huele a incienso.It smells like incense in here.This sentence shows how to use incienso to describe a scent.Tatoeba #3672806 by Seael, translation #11346536 by Luornu
- Les gusta usar incienso.They like using incense.This sentence demonstrates the use of incienso as a direct object.Tatoeba #10272421 by Seael, translation #10272415 by SabukHitam
- A ella le gusta prender incienso mientras practica yoga.She likes to burn incense while practising yoga.This sentence illustrates the phrase prender incienso in the context of a practice like yoga.Tatoeba #3788662 by hayastan, translation #2334903 by Hybrid
- Me encanta el aroma perfumado que desprende el incienso.I love the perfumed aroma that incense gives off.
- Compré un nuevo quemador de incienso para mi hogar.I bought a new incense burner for my home.
- Compré palo santo para ambientar mi habitación.I bought incense to create a nice atmosphere in my room.
Example conversation
Alejandro and María are preparing a relaxing room.
- Alejandro¿Compraste el incienso de lavanda?Did you buy the lavender incense?
- MaríaSí, lo tengo en la bolsa.Yes, I have it in the bag.
- AlejandroPerfecto, vamos a encenderlo ahora.Perfect, let's light it now.
- MaríaMe encanta ese aroma.I love that scent.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “incense” translations and entries incienso, sahumerio, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries incienso, sahumerio, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
