Spanish word

ofrenda

Pronunciation

IPA/oˈfɾenda/

Meaning

  • feminine nounoffering

Example

Cada mañana ponemos una ofrenda para los ancestros.

Every morning we put an offering for the ancestors.

Illustration for ofrenda (offering)

More examples

Los niños decoraron la ofrenda con flores y calaveras de papel.

The children decorated the offering with flowers and paper skulls.

Core concept

Item or collection placed ceremonially to show respect or devotion.

Common phrases

  • ofrenda a los muertos

    offering for the dead

  • ofrenda del Día de Muertos

    Day of the Dead offering

Similar words

regalo: Gift given to guests or on birthdays to welcome, celebrate, or thank.
presente: Gift given to someone for any occasion.

Definition in Spanish

Objeto o conjunto de objetos que se coloca en un altar o se ofrece en una ceremonia en señal de respeto o devoción, frecuentemente alimentos o flores para honrar a los difuntos o a una divinidad.

Word origin

Evolved from Latin offerre via a Vulgar Latin form meaning 'the offered thing', retaining the sense of a ceremonial gift.

Usage tips

  • Unlike English 'offering', Spanish ofrenda typically implies a ritual or devotional gift rather than a general donation, for which Spanish uses donación.

Related words

  • ofrendarmake an offeringverb
  • ofrendadorofferernoun

Word lists with this word