preghiera
/preˈɡjɛ.ra/feminine
The English phrase 'prayer' is translated into Italian as preghiera. Wiktionary also lists prece and orazione.
Meaning: practice of communicating with one's God (noun)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| preghiera | /preˈɡjɛ.ra/ | feminine |
| prece | /ˈprɛ.t͡ʃe/ | |
| orazione | /o.ratˈt͡sjo.ne/ | feminine |
Which one should you use?
preghiera is the most common and standard word for 'prayer'. orazione can refer to either a prayer or a formal speech. prece is a more specialized, literary term. supplica specifically refers to a supplication or a plea to a higher power.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a more formal or literary tone, you can use prece, which is often found in high-style or religious contexts. orazione is used when the prayer is a formal speech or in formal literary settings.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Rome, the term paternoster might be used specifically to refer to the Lord's Prayer.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word preghiera is a feminine noun. Its plural form is preghiere. The related verb meaning 'to pray' is pregare.
Did you know?
- In some Italian expressions, preghiera is used in signs meaning 'request' or 'notice', such as preghiera di non fumare for 'please do not smoke'.
- In Italy, the phrase per grazia ricevuta is often seen on small plaques attached to walls, marking a place where a preghiera was answered.
- While preghiera is a noun, the verb pregare is used in the common phrase la prego, which is a highly formal way to say 'please' when asking a stranger for help.
Examples in context
- Tom non ha una preghiera.Tom hasn't got a prayer.This sentence shows a negative context using preghiera.Tatoeba #5081095 by Guybrush88, translation #3726691 by CM
- La mia preghiera fu esaudita.My prayer was answered.This sentence describes an answered prayer using preghiera.Tatoeba #4626940 by Guybrush88, translation #250638 by CK
- Qual è la sua preghiera preferita?What's your favorite prayer?This sentence asks about a preferred prayer using preghiera.Tatoeba #5000784 by Guybrush88, translation #4042309 by Hybrid
- Abbiamo recitato una preghiera molto commoventeWe recited a very moving prayer
- Dio, ascolta la mia supplicaGod, hear my supplication
- L'orazione del sacerdote ha commosso tutti i fedeliThe priest's prayer moved all the believers
- Mi piace pregare ogni sera prima di dormireI like to pray every evening before sleeping
- Mia nonna mi ha insegnato a recitare una preghiera specialeMy grandmother taught me to recite a special prayer
- Ogni giorno faccio una preghiera per la mia famigliaEvery day I say a prayer for my family
- 14 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Giulia and Francesco are at a quiet church.
- FrancescoGiulia, vuoi recitare una preghiera?Giulia, do you want to say a prayer?
- GiuliaSì, Francesco, è il momento giusto.Yes, Francesco, it is the right time.
- FrancescoFacciamo una preghiera per la pace.Let's say a prayer for peace.
- GiuliaÈ un'ottima idea.That is a great idea.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “prayer” translations and entries preghiera, prece, orazione, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
