Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
Worship in Spanish: Adorar
Adorar · verb · ah-doh-RAHR
The Spanish verb 'adorar' translates the English word 'worship,' referring to the act of showing deep reverence or devotion, typically in a religious setting. It can also be used informally to express extreme fondness for someone or something, as in 'Adoro el chocolate' (I love chocolate).
ah-doh-RAHR
Los fieles se reúnen cada domingo para adorar en la iglesia del pueblo.
The faithful gather every Sunday to worship at the village church.
Worship in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for worship, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| adorar | worship | ah-doh-RAHR | Default, widely understood |
| venerar | worship | formal or literary contexts | |
| rendir culto | worship | religious ceremonies |
How Native Speakers Use Adorar
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Religious service
Mi abuela prefiere adorar en la capilla pequeña cerca de su casa.
My grandmother prefers to worship at the small chapel near her home.
Adorar followed by 'en' indicates the place of worship.
Expressing devotion
El pueblo entero venera a su santo patrono durante las fiestas de septiembre.
The entire town worships their patron saint during the September festivities.
Venerar is used for reverence toward saints or revered figures.
Figurative use
Mis hijos adoran a su maestra porque siempre les cuenta historias divertidas.
My children adore their teacher because she always tells them funny stories.
In everyday speech, adorar often means to adore or love deeply.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Adorar
Wrong verb form
Incorrect: Ella worshipa en la iglesia.
Correct: Ella adora en la iglesia.
Spanish does not borrow 'worship' as a verb; use 'adorar' conjugated to match the subject.
Confused synonym
Incorrect: Vamos a orar a la Virgen.
Correct: Vamos a adorar a la Virgen.
Orar means 'to pray,' which is a distinct act from worshiping; adorar conveys reverence and devotion beyond prayer alone.
Why Worship Matters in Spanish-Speaking Cultures
Lock in Worship 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 Adorar used by native speakers
Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using adorar in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear Los fieles se reúnen cada domingo para adorar en la iglesia del pueblo. while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.
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Common Questions About Worship in Spanish
- What is the difference between adorar and rezar in Spanish?
- Adorar conveys deep reverence and devotion toward a divine figure, while rezar specifically refers to the act of reciting prayers. You might rezar (pray) as part of your worship, but adorar encompasses the broader spiritual experience of honoring a deity.
- Can adorar be used outside of religion?
- In colloquial Spanish, adorar frequently appears in non-religious contexts to express intense affection or enthusiasm. For instance, saying 'Adoro esta canción' means you absolutely love a particular song, with no spiritual connotation whatsoever.
- How do you say 'place of worship' in Spanish?
- The most common translation is 'lugar de culto,' which works across all denominations and faiths. You may also hear 'templo' for temples, 'iglesia' for churches, or 'mezquita' for mosques, depending on the specific religion being referenced.