rezar
/reˈθaɾ/
To pray in Spanish is rezar.
The verb is used to address a deity or spiritual being through words of prayer. It is also the specific verb used when reciting set prayers, such as when you want to say rezar un rosario (to pray a rosary).
Which one should you use?
While rezar is the most common word for praying, orar is a more formal or liturgical term. Orar is often used in religious contexts to describe a more spontaneous or heartfelt communication with God.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the phrase hacer una oración is a common way to say 'to make a prayer'.
How does it change in a sentence?
rezar is a regular -ar verb, so it follows standard conjugation patterns for its endings. For example, the third-person singular preterite (past tense) form is rezó.
How do you pronounce it?
/reˈθaɾ/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the noun 'oración' can mean both 'a prayer' and 'a sentence' or 'a grammatical clause'. A student might be confused if a teacher asks them to 'hacer una oración' in a linguistics class.
- The phrase rezar por alguien is common, but in some contexts, rezar a alguien can be used ironically to mean pleading desperately with a person for a favor.
- The verb rezar is actually a linguistic relative of the English word 'recite'. Both words stem from the Latin 'recitāre', meaning to call out or repeat something from memory.
Examples in context
- Karl comenzó a rezar.Karl started to pray.Tatoeba #11636211 by Shishir, translation #11635674 by Amastan
- Nos arrodillamos para rezar.We knelt down to pray.Tatoeba #840879 by Shishir, translation #304885 by CK
- No basta con rezar, no basta con soñar. No hasta que alguien tome las riendas de la realidad.It's not enough to pray, it's not enough to dream. Not until someone takes control by getting a grip on reality.Tatoeba #1128160 by marcelostockle, translation #1128165 by marcelostockle
- Es importante orar todos los días para encontrar paz interior.It's important to pray every day to find inner peace.
- Mi abuela ora cada noche antes de dormir.My grandmother prays every night before going to sleep.
- Ruego a Dios que me ayude a superar este desafío.I pray to God to help me overcome this challenge.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Daniel are talking about their morning routines.
- MaríaSuelo rezar un poco cada mañana.I usually pray a bit every morning.
- DanielYo no suelo rezar, pero medito.I don't usually pray, but I meditate.
- MaríaMe ayuda a empezar el día tranquila.It helps me start the day calmly.
- DanielEntiendo, Daniel respeta mucho tu fe.I understand, Daniel respects your faith very much.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry rezar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries rezar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
