padre
/ˈpa.dɾi/Christian, masculine
The English word 'priest' is translated into Portuguese as padre. Wiktionary also lists sacerdote and presbítero.
Meaning: clergyman (clergywoman, clergyperson) (noun)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| padre | /ˈpa.dɾi/ (Brazil) /ˈpa.dɾɨ/ (Portugal) |
Christian, masculine |
| sacerdote | /sa.seʁˈdɔ.t͡ʃi/ (Brazil) /sa.seɾˈdɔ.t͡ʃi/ (São Paulo) |
masculine |
| presbítero | /pɾezˈbi.te.ɾu/ (Brazil) /pɾeʒˈbi.te.ɾu/ (Rio de Janeiro) |
masculine |
The terms are used to refer to a clergyman or clergyperson. The word padre is also used as a polite title when addressing a priest directly, much like 'Father' in English.
Which one should you use?
While padre is the standard term, sacerdote is a more formal or theological term used to describe a priest or a person performing sacred rites. Presbítero is a technical, ecclesiastical term often found in official church documents or specific denominations.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of padre is padres, and the plural form of sacerdote is sacerdotes.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈpa.dɾi/ (two syllables. The stress is on the first syllable)
When do people say it?
When speaking to a priest, you can use padre as a title of respect, similar to the English 'Father'.
Did you know?
- While padre is the common term, sacerdote is often used in Portuguese to refer to priests of non-Christian religions, such as those in ancient Egyptian or Mayan cultures.
- Although padre means 'priest', it is a doublet of the word pai, which means 'father'. Both words share the same ancient root but evolved separately within the language.
- If you are reading a classical Portuguese text, a character might be described as a sacerdote to give the setting a more epic or mythological feeling than the modern padre would.
Examples in context
- O padre é bom.The priest is good.This sentence describes the character of the padre.Tatoeba #6629593 by anthrax26, translation #6629554 by Reonaato
- O padre é ateu.The priest is an atheist.This sentence identifies the padre as an atheist.Tatoeba #2804187 by alexmarcelo, translation #2779968 by Hybrid
- Tom quer ser padre.Tom wants to become a priest.This sentence describes a person's desire to become a padre.Tatoeba #5243057 by bill, translation #5243054 by Hybrid
- O sacerdote da paróquia realiza missas todos os domingos.The priest of the parish holds masses every Sunday.
- O padre João é muito respeitado na comunidade.Father João is highly respected in the community.
- Os presbíteros são responsáveis por liderar a comunidade espiritualmente.Priests are responsible for spiritually leading the community.
- O padre Alberto sempre faz piadas durante a missa.Father Alberto always tells jokes during mass.
- 34 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Mariana are talking about a local church service.
- GabrielO padre falou algo bonito hoje.The priest said something beautiful today.
- MarianaEle é um padre muito gentil.He is a very kind priest.
- GabrielMariana, você conhece o novo padre?Mariana, do you know the new priest?
- MarianaSim, eu já conversei com ele.Yes, I have already spoken with him.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “priest” translations and entries padre, sacerdote, presbítero, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries padre, sacerdote, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
