Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| sacerdote | /saθeɾˈdote/ /saseɾˈdote/ |
masculine |
| cura | /ˈkuɾa/ | masculine |
| párroco | /ˈparoko/ | masculine |
These terms are used to refer to a member of the clergy, including a clergyman, clergywoman or clergyperson. In a religious context, the sacrament of Holy Orders is known as Ordenación Sacerdotal.
Which one should you use?
Sacerdote is the most general term for a priest. Párroco specifically refers to a parish priest, which is the person in charge of a particular parish. Cura is a more common, everyday way to refer to a priest.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Sacerdote is a formal term often used in liturgical or official contexts. Cura is more colloquial and informal. In strictly religious contexts, the term Presbítero may also be used to refer to a priest.
How does it change in a sentence?
Sacerdote is a masculine noun, and its plural form is sacerdotes. Cura is also a masculine noun, and its plural form is curas. The feminine equivalent of priest is sacerdotisa (priestess).
How do you pronounce it?
/saθeɾˈdote/
When do people say it?
It is common to use the title Padre before a priest's name.
Did you know?
- While cura is a common word for priest, it is also the Spanish word for 'cure' or 'treatment' in a medical context.
- The word sacerdote can be used to describe priests of non-Christian religions, whereas cura is almost exclusively used for Catholic priests.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, people may refer to a priest as el padrecito using a diminutive to show affection rather than just formality.
Examples in context
- El cura es ateo.The priest is an atheist.This sentence uses cura.Tatoeba #4159759 by hayastan, translation #2779968 by Hybrid
- El cura nos bendijo.The priest blessed us.Tatoeba #620316 by Shishir, translation #245506 by CM
- Tú no pareces un cura.You don't look like a priest.Tatoeba #1329038 by Shishir, translation #1329033 by Scott
- El sacerdote ofició la misaThe priest officiated the mass
- El presbítero realizó la unción de los enfermosThe priest administered the anointing of the sick
- El párroco de esta iglesia es muy queridoThe parish priest of this church is well-liked
- ¿Puedes pedirle al padre que nos guíe?Can you ask the priest to guide us?
- En esa parroquia hay un cura muy simpáticoThere's a very friendly priest in that parish
- 41 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Javier are talking about a local church event.
- Sofía¿Quién va a dar la misa mañana?Who is going to lead the mass tomorrow?
- JavierEl sacerdote nuevo se encarga de eso.The new priest is taking care of that.
- Sofía¿Es amable el sacerdote?Is the priest kind?
- JavierSí, Javier dice que es muy simpático.Yes, Javier says he is very nice.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “priest” translations and entries sacerdote, cura, párroco, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
