Spanish Conversation · Level 110
60 words
Spanish word
velorio
Pronunciation
IPA/beˈloɾjo/
Meaning
- masculine nounwake
Example
¿Puedes venir al velorio esta noche?
Can you come to the wake tonight?
More examples
Había silencio durante el velorio mientras la familia recordaba al fallecido.
There was silence during the wake while the family remembered the deceased.
Core concept
Mourners keeping a quiet vigil beside a coffin.
Common phrases
asistir al velorio
be present at the wake
ir al velorio
go to the wake
Similar words
velatorio: An evening wake where visitors view the body and offer short condolences.
funeral: A structured ceremony with readings, eulogies, and formal rites for the dead.
entierro: The process of interring the body by placing the coffin into the earth.
velación: Religious rites and prayers performed at the body's side.
Definition in Spanish
Acto en el que se vela a una persona fallecida para despedirse y recibir condolencias.
Word origin
From Spanish velar 'to keep watch' plus the suffix -orio, ultimately from Latin vigilare 'to stay awake', originally naming the vigil held over the dead.
Usage tips
- At a velorio attendees offer short condolences and keep a low voice, and the word is not interchangeable with entierro for the burial itself.