What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb rezar (to pray), the preposition por (for/on behalf of) and the pronoun él (him).
Which one should you use?
Reza por él is the informal way to address one person. Ora por él is also an informal way to say the same thing to a single person. If you are addressing a group of people in Spain informally, you should use rezad por él. For formal situations involving a group, use Oren por él. If you want to request an individual to pray in a formal manner, use Le pido que rece por él or use Suplico sus oraciones por él if the situation is serious or urgent. An informal alternative to express the desire for someone to pray is Pídele a Dios por él, which means 'Ask God for him'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The form rezad por él is the plural imperative used in Spain when addressing a group of people informally.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form reza por él uses the informal imperative (tú), which is used when speaking to a friend or someone you know well.
How do you pronounce it?
/reθa poɾ el/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use para instead of por when translating 'for'. However, por is the correct preposition to express doing something on behalf of someone in this context.
Did you know?
- In Spanish, you can say rezar un poema to mean 'to recite a poem'. This stems from the fact that rezar can mean to repeat a fixed set of words or a formula, not just to pray.
- There is a subtle distinction between the verbs rezar and orar. While rezar often implies reciting a set prayer, orar suggests a more spontaneous, conversational dialogue with the divine.
- The word él is a direct descendant of the Latin word ille, which originally meant 'that one' rather than the modern English 'he'.
Examples in context
- Ante la terrible situación que atraviesa nuestro querido amigo, oren por él. Les agradezco profundamente su apoyo en este difícil momento.Given the terrible situation our dear friend is going through, pray for him. I deeply appreciate your support in this difficult time.
- Mi hermano ha estado pasando por momentos complicados. Por favor, ora por él. Sabemos que tus oraciones son poderosas.My brother has been going through tough times. Please, pray for him. We know your prayers are powerful.
- Reza por él en la iglesia.Pray for him in the church.
- Por favor, reza por él hoy.Please, pray for him today.
- Ella siempre reza por él.She always prays for him.
Example conversation
Elena and Javier are talking about a sick friend.
- ElenaNuestro amigo está muy enfermo.Our friend is very sick.
- JavierLo siento mucho, no sabía.I am so sorry, I didn't know.
- ElenaPor favor, reza por él.Please, pray for him.
- JavierClaro que sí, lo haré.Of course, I will.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries por, él, CC BY-SA 4.0.
