misionero
/misjoˈneɾo/masculine
The Spanish word for missionary is misionero.
A misionero is a person who travels to spread a religion. While misionero/a is the most standard and widely accepted translation for 'missionary', you may also see the term evangelizador/a, which specifically emphasizes the act of spreading the Christian faith.
Meaning: person traveling to spread a religion (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, you may encounter the specific terms misionero/a apostólico/a or misionero/a evangelista.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine singular is misionero and the feminine singular is misionera. The masculine plural form is misioneros and the feminine plural form is misioneras.
How do you pronounce it?
/misjoˈneɾo/
Did you know?
- In Argentina, a misionero is anyone born in the province of Misiones. In this context, the word describes a regional identity rather than a religious vocation.
- The term misiones often refers to the 'Reducciones', unique communal settlements created by Jesuits in South America to integrate indigenous people into colonial society.
- While misionero is neutral, the term evangelizador is often associated with the 'Patronato Real', a historical agreement between the Pope and the Spanish Crown to manage the church in the New World.
Examples in context
- Tom fue a Corea como misionero cristiano.Tom went to Korea as a Christian missionary.This sentence shows the use of misionero in a personal context.Tatoeba #2716877 by marcelostockle, translation #1092286 by CK
- En 1807, Robert Morrison, el primer misionero protestante británico en China, llegó a Cantón.In 1807, Robert Morrison, the first British Protestant missionary to China arrived in Guangzhou.This sentence shows the use of misionero when describing a historical figure.Tatoeba #1763982 by teskmon, translation #898051 by eastasiastudent
- Juan es un misionero en África.Juan is a missionary in Africa.
- Ana ha sido una misionera en Asia durante diez años.Ana has been a missionary in Asia for ten years.
- Los religiosos llevaron a cabo una labor misionera en la región.The religious individuals carried out missionary work in the region.
- Pepito fue a África como misionero para ayudar a los necesitados.Pepito went to Africa as a missionary to help those in need.
- Mi hermana quiere ser misionera en América del Sur.My sister wants to be a missionary in South America.
- El misionero llegó a la aldea ayer.The missionary arrived at the village yesterday.
Example conversation
Mateo and Elena are discussing a friend's career choice.
- MateoMi primo quiere ser misionero en África.My cousin wants to be a missionary in Africa.
- ElenaEso suena como un viaje muy largo.That sounds like a very long trip.
- MateoSí, pero él es un misionero dedicado.Yes, but he is a dedicated missionary.
- ElenaEs admirable que quiera ayudar a otros.It is admirable that he wants to help others.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “missionary” translations and entries misionero, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
