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.

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