rezar
/reˈθaɾ/
To pray in Spanish is to say rezar. Wiktionary also lists orar and rogar.
Meaning: to talk to God (verb)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| rezar | /reˈθaɾ/ /reˈsaɾ/ |
| orar | /oˈɾaɾ/ |
| rogar | /roˈɡaɾ/ |
Which one should you use?
The verb rezar is typically used when reciting set prayers like the Rosary or specific liturgical texts. orar is more precise for spontaneous prayer. The verb rogar is used when the sense of 'praying' is closer to 'begging' or 'imploring' someone for a favor.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Rezar el rosario is a phrase used in many Latin American countries to refer to praying the rosary.
How do you pronounce it?
/reˈθaɾ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often use rezar for all types of prayer, but orar is more precise for spontaneous prayer.
When do people say it?
In Spanish, you use the verb rezar when referring to specific devotional practices like rezar el rosario.
Did you know?
- Orar is the primary term used by Evangelical and Protestant communities in Spanish, whereas Catholics more frequently use rezar for their structured rituals.
- The Spanish word rezar is actually a linguistic relative of the English word 'recite'. It comes from the Latin recitāre, meaning to repeat something aloud, which is why it is used for structured prayers like the Rosary.
- The verb rogar is used in the formal Spanish phrase le ruego, which is a polite way to ask for something in a business letter and has no religious meaning.
Examples in context
- No puedo rezar ahora.I cannot pray now.This sentence shows how to express an inability to pray in the present.Tatoeba #1687282 by marcelostockle, translation #1686821 by Amastan
- Karl comenzó a rezar.Karl started to pray.This sentence describes the beginning of the act of praying.Tatoeba #11636211 by Shishir, translation #11635674 by Amastan
- Nos arrodillamos para rezar.We knelt down to pray.This sentence describes the physical action of kneeling in order to pray.Tatoeba #840879 by Shishir, translation #304885 by CK
- Es importante orar en tiempos de dificultad.It's important to pray in times of difficulty.
- Los fieles se reúnen para rezar en la iglesia.The faithful gather to pray in the church.
- Vamos a hacer una oración antes de la cena.We are going to say a prayer before dinner.
- Le rezo a mi abuelo todos los días.I pray to my grandfather every day.
- Cuando me siento triste, simplemente hablo con Dios.When I feel sad, I just talk to God.
- Mi abuela pasa horas rezando el rosario.My grandmother spends hours praying the rosary.
- La congregación se reunió para elevar una oración a la Virgen María.The congregation gathered to offer a prayer to the Virgin Mary.
- 18 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are in a quiet room at home.
- JavierElena, ¿quieres rezar un momento?Elena, do you want to pray for a moment?
- ElenaSí, Javier, me gustaría mucho.Yes, Javier, I would really like that.
- JavierPodemos rezar por nuestra salud.We can pray for our health.
- ElenaEs una buena idea.That is a good idea.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pray” translations and entries rezar, orar, rogar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries orar, rezar, rogar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
