rezar
verbUpper-intermediate
What does “rezar” mean in English?
to pray
to pray (rezar por alguien/algo — address a deity; also formal text sense: el contrato reza que...)
Example sentences
Cientos de fieles se reunieron en la plaza para rezar por las víctimas del terremoto.
Hundreds of faithful gathered in the square to pray for the earthquake victims.
El reglamento reza que todo miembro deberá abonar la cuota anual antes del mes de enero.
The regulation states that every member must pay the annual fee before January.
How to use it
Rezar means 'to pray'. Structure: rezar (por alguien/algo) — pray for someone/something; rezar a/para + deity. Also colloquially: el contrato reza que... (the contract states/reads that...). The religious and formal-text senses are the main B2 uses.
Common mistake
Rezar for praying is straightforward. The secondary meaning 'to read/state' (rezar que...) applies to documents and is a useful B2 formal register item. Don't confuse with rogar (beg/ask politely).
Topics
Related Upper-intermediate words
Reference
This entry’s teaching guidance follows Plan Curricular del Instituto Cervantes (Instituto Cervantes), B2 Funciones 6.11.