monja
/ˈmonxa/feminine
The Spanish word for nun is monja.
monja is a noun used to describe a member of a Christian religious community of women.
Meaning: member of a Christian religious community of women (noun)
Which one should you use?
While monja refers specifically to a female nun, the masculine form monje is used for a monk.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of monja is monjas.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈmonxa/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, calling someone a monja can be used metaphorically to describe a person who is perceived as overly prudish or strict.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, you might hear a nun referred to as Hermana (Sister) rather than Monja in daily conversation. Using Monja can sometimes sound overly clinical or descriptive rather than a respectful title.
- The word monja shares an ancient root with the Greek word mónos, which means 'alone'. This reflects the historical idea of a nun living a solitary, secluded life.
Examples in context
- Mary se hizo monja y abrió un orfanato.Mary became a nun and opened an orphanage.This sentence is useful for seeing how someone can become a monja and perform social work.Tatoeba #1509666 by marcelostockle, translation #1498830 by Spamster
- Cuando se hizo monja tomó el nombre de "hermana Teresa".When she became a nun, she took the name Sister Teresa.This sentence shows how a person might take a religious name after becoming a monja.Tatoeba #536556 by Shishir, translation #266330 by CK
- La madre Teresa era una monja católica que vivía y trabajaba en Calcuta, en la India.Mother Teresa was a Catholic nun who lived and worked in Calcutta, India.This sentence provides an example of a famous Catholic monja.Tatoeba #2386052 by diegohn, translation #32863 by CK
- La monja está rezando en la capilla.The nun is praying in the chapel.
- Conocí a una monja muy amable en el convento.I met a very kind nun in the convent.
- Vi a una religiosa en la calle vestida de monja.I saw a nun on the street dressed as a nun.
- Mi hermana se unió a la orden religiosa y ahora es una religiosa.My sister joined the religious order and now she is a nun.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Javier are discussing a local charity event.
- LucíaUna monja ayudará en el evento de caridad.A nun will help at the charity event.
- Javier¿De verdad viene esa monja de la iglesia local?Is that nun from the local church really coming?
- LucíaSí, ella es una monja muy amable.Yes, she is a very kind nun.
- JavierQué bueno que nos acompañe.It is good that she is joining us.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “nun” translations and entries monja, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries monja, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
