sacerdote
formal
In Mexican Spanish "priest" is sacerdote in formal speech and cura in everyday talk. Mexicans also call a priest padre and address him as padre plus his first name.
Meaning: Catholic clergyman (noun)
Ways to say it
| Mexican | Note |
|---|---|
| sacerdote | formal |
| cura | everyday |
| padre | title, Mexico |
El cura is the simple word, while sacerdote appears in church announcements and news. People greet him with buenos días, padre.
Which one should you use?
In Mexico, padre Juan means "Father Juan". The word padre alone also means "father" or can mean "cool" in slang, so the context tells you.
How does it change in a sentence?
There is no feminine form of sacerdote in the Catholic Church. The word works as a noun for a man.
Did you know?
- The Spanish word cura for priest comes from the Latin curatus, meaning someone in charge of souls.
Examples in context
- El padre dio la misa.The priest gave the Mass.
- Hablé con el cura del pueblo.I spoke with the town priest.
Example conversation
Rosa greets the town priest after Mass in a village in Jalisco.
- RosaBuenos días, padre Juan.Good morning, Father Juan.
- Padre JuanBuenos días, Rosa. ¿Cómo está su mamá?Good morning, Rosa. How is your mother?
- RosaMucho mejor, gracias a Dios.Much better, thank God.
