Spanish word

chamán

Pronunciation

IPA/tʃaˈman/

Meaning

  • masculine nounshaman

Example

El chamán curó al enfermo.

The shaman healed the sick person.

Illustration for chamán (shaman)

More examples

Los vecinos respetan al chamán de la comunidad.

The neighbors respect the community's shaman.

Core concept

Ritual leader who performs healing and spirit communication for the community.

Common phrases

  • visitar al chamán

    visit the shaman

  • pedir consejo al chamán

    ask the shaman for advice

Similar words

curandero: Traditional healer who uses prayers, herbal remedies, and folk rituals to cure illnesses.
sanador: Healer who treats physical injuries and emotional pain, focusing on restoration and wellbeing.
médium: Person who senses or channels spirits and relays their messages to the living.

Definition in Spanish

Persona que comunica con espíritus y dirige ceremonias para el bien de la comunidad, ejerciendo funciones religiosas y curativas.

Word origin

The term traces to a Tungusic word for a spirit mediator and reaches Spanish via borrowings in European languages as chamán.

Usage tips

  • Although English 'shaman' is a close cognate, chamán in Spanish often carries specific cultural connotations that do not always match the English sense.

Other meanings

  • witch doctornoun

Opposites

Related words

  • chamanismoshamanismnoun
  • chamánicoshamanicadjective

Word lists with this word