secta religiosa
/seɡta ɾelixjosa/from spelling rules
The phrase for "religious cult" in Spanish is secta religiosa.
secta religiosa refers to a group of people with extreme beliefs who follow a charismatic leader.
What does it mean word for word?
The term is composed of secta (sect/cult) and religiosa (religious).
Which one should you use?
While secta religiosa specifically implies a religious context, the word secta alone is often used in Spanish to refer to any cult-like group, regardless of whether religion is the primary focus.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form is sectas religiosas, where both the noun and the adjective are pluralized.
How do you pronounce it?
/seɡta ɾelixjosa/
Did you know?
- The word secta shares a linguistic root with the English word 'section' because both come from a Latin word meaning 'cutting'.
- In some Spanish-speaking countries, calling an established religious organization a secta is considered a serious accusation that can trigger legal investigations.
- Spanish speakers may use secta metaphorically to describe a group of obsessed fans or a closed circle of friends with an irrational passion.
Examples in context
- Las personas están preocupadas por la influencia de esa secta religiosaPeople are concerned about the influence of that religious cult
- Esos fanáticos forman parte de un grupo sectario muy peligrosoThose fanatics are part of a very dangerous religious cult
- Esa secta religiosa es muy peligrosa.That religious cult is very dangerous.
- Él fue víctima de una secta religiosa.He was a victim of a religious cult.
- La policía investiga la secta religiosa.The police are investigating the religious cult.
Example conversation
María and Daniel are discussing a news report about a mysterious group.
- María¿Viste la noticia sobre esa secta religiosa?Did you see the news about that religious cult?
- DanielSí, es algo realmente aterrador, María.Yes, it is something truly terrifying, María.
- MaríaEl líder de la secta religiosa engañó a muchos.The leader of the religious cult deceived many.
- DanielDebemos tener mucho cuidado con esos grupos.We must be very careful with those groups.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
