What does it mean word for word?
Literally, the phrase means "praised be God". The word alabado is the past participle of alabar (to praise) and sea is the present subjunctive of ser (to be).
Which one should you use?
While alabado sea Dios is a standard way to express this sentiment, you may also encounter these variations: Gloria a Dios (Glory to God), Alabado sea el Señor (Praised be the Lord), ¡Glorificado sea Dios! (Glory be to God!) and ¡Bendito sea Dios! (Blessed be God!).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The construction alabado sea Dios is formal and carries a liturgical or religious tone. Other formal alternatives include ¡Alabado sea Dios!, ¡Glorificado sea Dios! and ¡Bendito sea Dios!
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the subjunctive mood in the word sea to express a wish or a declaration of a state of being.
How do you pronounce it?
/alaˌbado ˌsea ˈdjos/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word Dios is an unexpected relative of the English word 'sky' through a shared ancient root meaning 'sky' or 'heaven'.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, a physical gesture such as crossing oneself or placing a hand over the heart often accompanies the phrase alabado sea Dios during moments of great relief.
- In some regions, ¡Bendito sea Dios! is used more frequently than alabado sea Dios when expressing gratitude for escaping a dangerous situation.
Examples in context
- ¡Alabado sea Dios! Estamos aquí reunidos para orar juntos.Praise be to God! We are gathered here to pray together.
- ¡Glorificado sea Dios! Te damos gracias por tu amor y tu misericordia.Glory be to God! We thank you for your love and mercy.
- ¡Bendito sea Dios! Padre, es un honor conocerlo.Blessed be God! Father, it is an honor to meet you.
- Alabado sea Dios por este milagro.Praise God for this miracle.
- Alabado sea Dios por nuestra salud.Praise God for our health.
- Todo salió bien, alabado sea Dios.Everything turned out well, praise God.
Example conversation
Elena and Daniel are reflecting on a safe journey after a storm.
- ElenaLlegamos sanos y salvos, alabado sea Dios.We arrived safe and sound, praise God.
- DanielEs verdad, Elena, es una bendición.It is true, Elena, it is a blessing.
- ElenaNo puedo dejar de dar gracias.I cannot stop giving thanks.
- DanielYo también lo siento así.I feel the same way too.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry alabado sea Dios, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Dios, alabado, dios, CC BY-SA 4.0.
