Spanish Conversation · Level 105
60 words
Spanish word
altar
Pronunciation
IPA/alˈtaɾ/
Meaning
- masculine nounaltar
Example
En mi casa tengo un altar pequeño.
I have a small altar in my house.
More examples
¿Puedes colocar las velas en el altar?
Can you place the candles on the altar?
Core concept
Home or church platform holding candles, icons, and offerings.
Common phrases
altar de la iglesia
church altar
frente al altar
in front of the altar
altar portátil
portable altar
Similar words
iglesia: Christian house of worship where congregations meet for services and sacramental rites.
templo: Religious structure used for ceremonies and devotion across various religions.
Definition in Spanish
Mesa o plataforma, a menudo en iglesias o en hogares, destinada a recibir ofrendas y objetos sagrados.
Word origin
The Spanish word comes from Latin altare, ultimately from altus 'high', originally naming an elevated site for worship and offerings.
Usage tips
- In normal, nonreligious contexts a plain table is mesa while altar signals a sacred or devotional setting, and the plural is altares.