In Spanish, iglesia, templo, and catedral refer to different kinds of religious buildings, each with its own meaning and usage.
- Iglesia: A Christian church where regular worship services are held. (la iglesia)
- Templo: A temple, often used for non-Christian places of worship or to emphasize the building's sacred nature. (el templo)
- Catedral: A cathedral, the main church of a diocese, usually large and architecturally significant. (la catedral)
'Iglesia' refers to a Christian church.
'Templo' is used for various kinds of sacred buildings, not just Christian.
'Catedral' is the main church of a diocese and is usually larger and more architecturally significant than a typical 'iglesia'.
iglesia
Iglesia is the common Spanish word for a Christian church, where people gather for worship, prayer, and religious ceremonies. It is most often used for Protestant and Catholic churches.
- Meaning: Church (Christian)
- Usage: Regular places of worship for Christians
- Example: La iglesia del barrio es muy acogedora.
(The neighborhood church is very welcoming.)
'Iglesia' is used specifically for Christian churches.
'Iglesia' is appropriate for contexts involving Christian worship and ceremonies.
iglesia
/la igleˈsia/
feminine noun
- A Christian church.
- The building where Christian religious services are held.
- Often refers to both the physical structure and the congregation.
Example Sentences:
- La iglesia está abierta todos los días para los feligreses.
- Celebraron su boda en una antigua iglesia del pueblo.
'Iglesia' means a Christian church.
Use 'iglesia' specifically for Christian places of worship.
templo
Templo refers to a temple and is used for places of worship that are often more formal, sacred, or belong to religions other than mainstream Christianity (e.g., Buddhist or Hindu temples). It can also be used for a more formal Christian worship space.
- Meaning: Temple (religious building)
- Usage: Non-Christian places of worship, or formal/architectural emphasis
- Example: El templo budista abre sus puertas al público los fines de semana.
(The Buddhist temple opens its doors to the public on weekends.)
'Templo' is used for temples of various religions, not just Christian.
'Templo' can be used broadly for sacred buildings, including synagogues and mosques, especially when emphasizing the structure as a temple.
Source Material
Author: Collins Dictionary
Document: templo - Spanish-English Dictionary
Date Published: 2024
templo
/ˈtemplɔ/
masculine noun
- A temple; a place of worship, often used for non-Christian or sacred religious buildings.
- Can refer to the sanctuary or the main worship area within a religious building.
Example Sentences:
- Visitamos un templo hindú durante nuestras vacaciones.
- El templo central de la ciudad es famoso por su arquitectura.
'Templo' means temple and can refer to places of worship for various religions.
'Templo' is suitable for temples and can sometimes refer to non-Christian places of worship.
'Templo' is used for the building or sacred space, not the congregation.
'Templo' can refer to Hindu, Buddhist, and some Christian places of worship, especially when emphasizing the building.
'Templo' can occasionally be used for synagogues when referring to them as temples.
catedral
Catedral is the Spanish word for cathedral, the principal church in a diocese, where a bishop’s seat (cátedra) is located. It represents a higher status than a regular church and is often majestically built.
- Meaning: Cathedral
- Usage: Main church of a diocese; bishop’s seat
- Example: La catedral domina el centro histórico de la ciudad.
(The cathedral dominates the historic center of the city.)
'Catedral' is the main church of a diocese, distinguished by the presence of a bishop's seat.
A 'catedral' has the bishop's seat and typically features grand architecture, setting it apart from a regular 'iglesia'.
'Catedral' refers exclusively to Christian (usually Catholic) main churches.
Source Material
Author: SpanishDict
Document: catedral - Spanish-English Translation
Date Published: 2024
catedral
/kaɾeˈðɾal/
feminine noun
- The cathedral; the main church of a diocese, where the bishop's seat is located.
- A large and often architecturally significant church.
Example Sentences:
- La catedral tiene vidrieras impresionantes.
- Visitamos la catedral durante nuestra estancia en la ciudad.
'Catedral' means cathedral.
A 'catedral' is the principal church of a diocese and contains the bishop's seat.
Use 'catedral' for the main church of a diocese or a bishop's church.