Spanish Conversation · Level 98
59 words
Spanish word
bendecir
Pronunciation
IPA/bendeˈθiɾ/
Meaning
- verbbless
Example
La madre bendice a su hijo.
The mother blesses her son.
More examples
El párroco bendijo el matrimonio de mis amigos.
The parish priest blessed my friends' marriage.
Core concept
Uttering words to dedicate or consecrate a person, place, or thing and ask for protection or favor.
Common phrases
bendecir el matrimonio
bless the marriage
bendecir al recién nacido
bless the newborn
bendecir las imágenes religiosas
bless the religious images
Similar words
desear: Wishes someone good luck or that a hoped-for outcome comes true.
felicitar: Offers congratulatory words to celebrate a person's achievement or special occasion.
orar: Prays aloud or silently to God to ask for help, guidance, or blessing.
Definition in Spanish
Pronunciar palabras o realizar un rito para otorgar favor, protección o una bendición sobre alguien o algo.
Word origin
Derived from Latin benedicere (bene "well" + dicere "to say"), Spanish bendecir maintains the original sense of speaking blessings or prayers to confer favor.
Usage tips
- In nonreligious or casual settings speakers often choose neutral phrases like suerte or que te vaya bien rather than bendecir.