rezar por
/reθaɾ poɾ/from spelling rules
To pray for in Spanish is rezar por.
The phrase is used to request divine help or a specific outcome for someone or something through prayer. You can also use the phrase Pido oraciones por… to mean 'I ask for prayers for…'. In a very informal and contemporary way, you might hear Manda buenas vibras a… to mean 'Send good vibes to…', which conveys a similar sentiment to praying for someone.
Which one should you use?
While rezar por is the most common way to say 'pray for', the alternative orar por is used in more formal or strictly religious contexts to denote a more spiritual or meditative form of prayer.
How does it change in a sentence?
The preposition por is used to indicate the beneficiary of the prayer, meaning you are praying on behalf of someone or for a specific cause.
How do you pronounce it?
/reθaɾ poɾ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using rezar para when you intend to say you are praying for someone's benefit. Instead, use rezar por.
Did you know?
- In some regions, saying rezar el rosario is used as a metaphor for performing a long and tedious task that requires great patience.
- The verb rezar actually shares an ancient root with the Latin word 'recitāre', which means to recite or repeat something aloud. This suggests that the concept of praying is etymologically tied to the act of reciting sacred words or formulas.
- While rezar por is common, some Spanish speakers use the phrase pedir por to mean 'to pray for' someone, treating the act of prayer as a request or petition.
Examples in context
- Todo lo que podemos hacer en este momento es rezar por ellos.All I can do at this point is pray for them.This sentence shows how to use rezar por to express what one can do for others.Tatoeba #10093055 by manufrutos, translation #10087292 by ddnktr
- Necesitamos rezar por Tom.We need to pray for Tom.This sentence demonstrates using rezar por to express a need to pray for a specific person.Tatoeba #5749104 by Firesoul7, translation #5747285 by CM
- Pido oraciones por la pronta recuperación de mi abuelo.I ask for prayers for my grandfather's swift recovery.
- Pido oraciones por el bienestar de todos los afectados por esta situación.I ask for prayers for the well-being of all those affected by this situation.
- Reza por mí mientras atravieso esta difícil situación.Pray for me as I go through this tough situation.
- Debemos rezar por la paz en el mundo.We must pray for peace in the world.
Example conversation
Two friends talking about a sick family member.
- MateoMe enteré de que tu abuelo está enfermo.I heard that your grandfather is sick.
- ElenaSí, está en el hospital ahora.Yes, he is in the hospital now.
- MateoVoy a rezar por él esta noche.I am going to pray for him tonight.
- ElenaMuchas gracias, Mateo. Lo aprecio mucho.Thank you very much, Mateo. I really appreciate it.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries por, rezar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
