Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
How to Say Witch in Spanish
Bruja · noun · BROO-hah
The Spanish word for witch is "bruja" (feminine). A male witch or warlock is called "brujo," and the practice of witchcraft is "brujería."
Bruja is pronounced BROO-hah, with a strong rolled or tapped r and the j sounding like an English h.
La bruja preparó una poción mágica en su caldero.
The witch prepared a magic potion in her cauldron.
Witch in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for witch, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| bruja | witch | BROO-hah | Default, widely understood |
| brujo | witch | male witch or warlock | |
| hechicera | witch | sorceress, literary register |
How Native Speakers Use Bruja
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Storytelling
En el cuento, la bruja vivía en una casa de dulces.
In the story, the witch lived in a house made of candy.
Fairy-tale context, similar to English usage.
Masculine form
El brujo del pueblo curaba a la gente con hierbas.
The village warlock healed people with herbs.
"Brujo" is the masculine counterpart of "bruja."
Abstract reference
Mi abuela dice que la vecina practica la brujería.
My grandmother says the neighbor practices witchcraft.
"Brujería" is the noun for the craft itself.
Colloquial insult
¡No seas bruja! Deja de asustar a los niños.
Don't be a witch! Stop scaring the children.
Used informally to describe someone mean-spirited.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Bruja
Gender mix-up
Incorrect: La brujo voló en su escoba.
Correct: La bruja voló en su escoba.
"Brujo" is masculine. When referring to a female witch, use the feminine form "bruja" with the feminine article "la."
Spelling of brujería
Incorrect: Ella estudia brugería.
Correct: Ella estudia brujería.
The correct spelling uses a j, not a g. The root word is "bruja," so the derived noun keeps the j: brujería.
Lock in Witch Vocabulary with the Parrot Method
Why word lists alone don't stick
Memorizing a translation feels productive, but most learners forget 70% of what they studied within 48 hours. Vocabulary needs spaced repetition AND real-world exposure to transfer to long-term memory.
See Bruja used by native speakers
Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using bruja in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear La bruja preparó una poción mágica en su caldero. while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.
Save, review, repeat, stay consistent
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Common Questions About Witch in Spanish
- What is the difference between bruja and brujo?
- "Bruja" is the feminine form meaning witch, and "brujo" is the masculine form meaning warlock or male witch. In some Latin American traditions, "brujo" can also refer to a folk healer or shaman.
- How do you say witchcraft in Spanish?
- Witchcraft is "brujería" in Spanish. It derives directly from "bruja" and covers everything from fictional sorcery to folk healing traditions.
- Is calling someone a bruja always offensive?
- Context determines whether bruja carries offense. It can be a mild insult implying someone is mean or scary, but it is also used neutrally or even playfully among friends. In folklore and fiction, it carries no negative social weight at all.