Spanish Conversation · Level 17
89 words
Spanish word
santo
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈsanto/
Meaning
- masculine nounsaint
Example
El santo pidió paz para todos.
The saint prayed for peace for everyone.
More examples
La comunidad llevó la imagen del santo en procesión.
The community carried the statue of the saint in procession.
Core concept
A person recognized by the Church or by religious tradition for exemplary virtue and sanctity.
Common phrases
imagen del santo
statue of the saint
santo patrón
patron saint
devoto del santo
devotee of the saint
Similar words
patrón: Saint regarded as protector of a town, community, or profession and honored in local festivals.
cura: Parish priest who presides over worship, administers sacraments, and provides pastoral care.
sacerdote: Cleric who performs religious rites and teaches doctrine within a religious institution.
santón: Self-styled holy figure who claims special sanctity and seeks public attention (pejorative).
Definition in Spanish
Persona reconocida por la Iglesia o por la tradición religiosa como santa por su vida ejemplar y sus virtudes.
Word origin
Derived from Latin sanctus 'holy', santo passed into Spanish via medieval ecclesiastical Latin and Romance use to name a person considered consecrated or exemplary in virtue.
Usage tips
- The word serves both as a formal religious title and as a colloquial compliment or ironic remark (for example 'eres un santo'), so register and intonation affect meaning.
Other meanings
- holyadjective