santo

saint

adjective noun SAHN-toh Common

Origin: From Latin sanctus (holy, consecrated).

Also means

holy

Usage Note

Santo apocopates to san before masculine names (except those starting with Do- or To-): San Juan, San Pedro, but Santo Tomás, Santo Domingo. Before a feminine name the full form is always used: Santa María. As a noun, el santo also informally means 'name day' (hoy es mi santo — today is my name day). Santo y seña is the set phrase for 'password/watchword' in a military context.

Examples

"Hoy es el día de un santo importante."

Natural Translation

Today is the feast day of an important saint.

Related Words

Explore Spanish by topic

SpanishNow

Por vs Para in Spanish: One Mental Model, No Acronyms

Por looks backward at cause and path; para looks forward at goal and destination. Master por vs para in Spanish with one mental model — no acronyms needed.

June 3, 2026 6 min read

SpanishNow

Mexican Spanish Slang Every Traveler Should Know

Mexican Spanish slang decoded for travelers: what güey, mande, órale, and ahorita really mean, who you can safely say them to, and how rude each one is.

June 9, 2026 6 min read

SpanishNow

Spanish Numbers 1-100: Count, Spell & Pronounce

Spanish numbers 1 to 100 are a system, not a list: three patterns build every number. Master the spelling, the accent rule, and how to say prices fast.

June 9, 2026 6 min read

SpanishNow

How to Say "You" in Spanish: Tú, Usted, Vos & Vosotros

Spanish has five words for "you": tú, usted, vos, vosotros, and ustedes. Learn which to use by who you're talking to and where — plus the verb endings.

June 3, 2026 6 min read