vudú
/buˈdu/
The English phrase "voodoo" is translated into Spanish as vudú.
vudú refers to the Afro-Caribbean religion. In more formal contexts, the term magia negra (black magic) can be used as a way to encompass voodoo practices.
Meaning: Afro-Caribbean religion (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
/buˈdu/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word vudú shares the same root as the Fon word vodun, meaning 'spirit', which refers to the deities rather than the system of magic portrayed in movies.
- Although vudú is a noun, in some Caribbean Spanish dialects, it can be used almost like an adjective to describe a person's perceived 'heavy' or 'cursed' energy.
- In some Spanish-speaking Caribbean contexts, the term brujería is used as a broad label for any form of supernatural practice, often carrying a much more negative or sinister connotation than the word 'voodoo' does in English.
Examples in context
- No te burles de la sacerdotisa vudú.Don't make fun of the voodoo priestess.This sentence illustrates how to use vudú when referring to a priestess.Tatoeba #8686983 by ajje, translation #8686984 by ajje
- El vudú tiene raíces muy antiguas.Voodoo has very ancient roots.
- Ella estudia la historia del vudú.She studies the history of voodoo.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a documentary in a cafe.
- Elena¿Te gustó el documental sobre el vudú?Did you like the documentary about voodoo?
- JavierSí, fue muy interesante, Elena.Yes, it was very interesting, Elena.
- ElenaAprendí mucho sobre sus rituales.I learned a lot about its rituals.
- JavierA mí también me sorprendió.It surprised me too.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “voodoo” translations and entries vudú, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
