rezar
/ʁeˈza(ʁ)/
To pray in Portuguese is to say rezar or orar.
Meaning: to talk to God (verb)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA |
|---|---|
| rezar | /ʁeˈza(ʁ)/ (Brazil) /ʁeˈza(ɾ)/ (São Paulo) |
| orar | /oˈɾa(ʁ)/ (Brazil) /oˈɾa(ɾ)/ (São Paulo) |
The verb rezar is commonly used when reciting specific, formal or repetitive prayers, such as when one might rezar o terço (to pray the rosary). The verb orar is also a way to express the act of praying.
Which one should you use?
rezar is specifically associated with the recitation of formal or repetitive prayers.
How does it change in a sentence?
rezar is a regular -ar verb, which means it follows the standard conjugation patterns for first conjugation verbs in Portuguese.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʁeˈza(ʁ)/
Did you know?
- Portuguese has a distinct word for a 'prayer' as a noun, oração, which shares the same root as orar and also refers to a 'sentence' in grammar.
- In some traditional folk contexts, rezadeiras are laypeople who 'pray' over the sick to heal them, a practice that blends formal religion with folk medicine.
- The verb orar is more common in Evangelical and Protestant circles in Brazil, while rezar remains the dominant term among Catholics.
Examples in context
- Tu podes rezar lá.You can pray there.This sentence demonstrates the use of rezar to indicate where someone is able to pray.Tatoeba #11980846 by ajdavidl, translation #10696166 by tokzyk
- Tom começou a rezarTom began to pray.This sentence shows rezar being used to describe the beginning of an action.Tatoeba #11784851 by ajdavidl, translation #3729609 by CM
- Ele começou a rezar.He started to pray.This sentence uses rezar to show that someone has started to pray.Tatoeba #11980834 by ajdavidl, translation #8271516 by Amastan
- Eu vou orar por você.I will pray for you.
- Ele rogou por perdão.He prayed for forgiveness.
- Ela suplicou por força.She supplicated for strength.
- Eu rezo todas as noites.I pray every night.
- Eles rezaram a Deus por orientação.They prayed to God for guidance.
- Ela mandou rezas para a família.She sent her prayers to the family.
- Ela ora todas as manhãs.She prays every morning.
- Pedimos por orientação em nossas orações.We asked for guidance in our prayers.
- Ele mandou suas preces para as famílias das vítimas.He sent his prayers to the victims' families.
- Estamos rezando pela paz.We are praying for peace.
- Ela sempre suplica por seus entes queridos.She always supplicates for her loved ones.
- 41 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Mariana are at a quiet church during the afternoon.
- GabrielMariana, você quer rezar agora?Mariana, do you want to pray now?
- MarianaSim, eu preciso rezar um pouco.Yes, I need to pray a little.
- GabrielEu vou rezar com você.I will pray with you.
- MarianaObrigada, Gabriel, isso ajuda muito.Thank you, Gabriel, that helps a lot.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pray” translations and entries rezar, orar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
