señal de la cruz
/seɲal de la kɾuθ/from spelling rulesmasculine
The English phrase "sign of the cross" can be translated into Spanish as señal de la cruz. Wiktionary also lists santiguamiento.
Meaning: gesture (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| señal de la cruz | /seɲal de la kɾuθ/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /seɲal de la kɾus/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
masculine |
| santiguamiento | /santiɡwaˈmjento/ | masculine |
The phrase refers to the religious gesture. When you want to express the action of performing this gesture, you use the verb hacer (to make or do) with the phrase, as in hacer la señal de la cruz.
Which one should you use?
While señal de la cruz refers specifically to the gesture itself, santiguamiento refers to the ritual act or the process of making the sign.
How do you pronounce it?
/seɲal de la kɾuθ/
Did you know?
- In traditional folk medicine in some rural Spanish-speaking areas, the santiguamiento is sometimes performed to treat a 'mal de ojo' or 'evil eye'.
- While cruz translates to 'cross', it is also used in Spanish idioms to describe a heavy burden or a difficult person, as in ser una cruz.
- While 'hacer la señal de la cruz' describes the physical movement, you might also hear the verb santiguarse used to describe the personal act of making the sign upon oneself.
Examples in context
- Hacer la señal de la cruz antes de cada comida es una tradición importante en nuestra familia.Making the Sign of the Cross before each meal is an important tradition in our family.
- Él hace la señal de la cruz.He makes the sign of the cross.
- La señal de la cruz es un gesto sagrado.The sign of the cross is a sacred gesture.
- Ella hace la señal de la cruz antes de rezar.She makes the sign of the cross before praying.
Example conversation
Daniel and Sofía are entering a church.
- DanielEspera, Sofía, haz la señal de la cruz.Wait, Sofía, make the sign of the cross.
- SofíaTienes razón, lo olvidé por un momento.You are right, I forgot for a moment.
- DanielAhora podemos entrar juntos.Now we can enter together.
- SofíaSí, Daniel, vamos.Yes, Daniel, let's go.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sign of the cross” translations and entries señal de la cruz, santiguamiento, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
