profano
/pɾoˈfano/
The English word "unholy" can be translated into Spanish as profano.
profano is used to describe something that is not holy or is evil. In many contexts, it is also frequently used to mean "secular" or "non-religious," referring to worldly or non-sacred matters.
Meaning: not holy, evil (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, profano must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Use profana for feminine singular nouns, profanos for masculine plural nouns and profanas for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/pɾoˈfano/
Did you know?
- The Latin root of profano actually means 'in front of the temple', referring to things that were physically located outside the sacred space.
- While English uses 'unholy' to describe something sinister, a Spanish speaker might use profano to describe a person who lacks specialized knowledge in a specific field.
- In Spanish, profano is often used in the term amor profano, which describes a romantic love based on earthly passion rather than spiritual devotion.
Examples in context
- Aquella conducta impía es inaceptable en nuestra sociedad.Such impious behavior is unacceptable in our society.
- Me mostró un libro profano que desafiaba todas las creencias religiosas.He showed me a profane book that challenged all religious beliefs.
- un acto profanoan unholy act
- Ese es un acto profano.That is a profane act.
- No me gusta ese ambiente profano.I do not like that profane atmosphere.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Lucía are exploring an old ruin.
- AlejandroSiento una energía muy profana aquí.I feel a very unholy energy here.
- LucíaYo también, Alejandro. Vámonos pronto.Me too, Alejandro. Let's leave soon.
- AlejandroMira ese símbolo profano en la pared.Look at that unholy symbol on the wall.
- LucíaEs mejor no tocar nada, Lucía dice.It's better not to touch anything, Lucía says.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry profano, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries profano, CC BY-SA 4.0.
