Cuaresma
/kwaˈɾesma/feminine
Lent is Cuaresma in Spanish.
Cuaresma refers to the Christian period of penitence observed before Easter.
Meaning: Christian period of penitence before Easter (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, La Cuaresma is widely used.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because Cuaresma is a feminine noun, the definite article used with it must be feminine (la), such as in the phrase en la Cuaresma (during Lent).
How do you pronounce it?
/kwaˈɾesma/
Did you know?
- In some folk traditions in Spain, la Cuaresma is linked to the 'Cuaresma de los animales', where certain livestock are treated differently.
- While English uses 'Lent' from an Old English word for 'springtime', Spanish uses Cuaresma to emphasize the duration of the fast.
- The word Cuaresma is derived from the Latin word for 'fortieth', referring to the forty days of fasting and prayer.
Examples in context
- La Cuaresma es una época de reflexión y sacrificio.Lent is a season of reflection and sacrifice.
- Vamos a la iglesia durante el tiempo de Cuaresma.We go to church during the time of Lent.
- Durante la Cuaresma, muchas personas ayunan.During Lent, many people fast.
- La Cuaresma es un tiempo de reflexión.Lent is a time of reflection.
- Empezamos la Cuaresma este miércoles.We start Lent this Wednesday.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing their religious traditions at a cafe.
- Elena¿Vas a cumplir con la Cuaresma este año, Javier?Are you going to observe Lent this year, Javier?
- JavierSí, Elena, voy a evitar la carne.Yes, Elena, I am going to avoid meat.
- ElenaEs una buena tradición para la Cuaresma.It is a good tradition for Lent.
- JavierAsí es, ayuda a la reflexión.That's right, it helps with reflection.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “lent” translations and entries Cuaresma, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Cuaresma, cuaresma, CC BY-SA 4.0.
