The first time I tried to speak Spanish, I stumbled through a phrase that made my new friend laugh — not because it was wrong, but because it was heartfelt.
I had said, “Mi primera oración en español” — my first sentence in Spanish.
That moment changed how I saw language.
A sentence isn’t just a line of words — it’s a small story, a spark of connection, a bridge between hearts. Whether you’re learning Spanish, Turkish, Swahili, or Japanese, each sentence carries emotion, rhythm, and culture.
Today, let’s explore how to say “sentence” in Spanish, what it truly means, and how the concept of a sentence changes across languages and cultures worldwide.
🗺️ Table: How to Say “Sentence” in Different Languages
| Language | Word/Phrase for “Sentence” | Cultural Insight |
|---|---|---|
| Spanish | Oración / Frase | “Oración” can mean both “sentence” and “prayer,” showing the link between speech and spirituality. |
| English | Sentence | Derived from Latin sententia (thought or opinion); connects logic with language. |
| French | Phrase / Sentence | “Phrase” means both clause and expression — used creatively in French writing. |
| Italian | Frase | Reflects melody and rhythm, mirroring Italy’s poetic language culture. |
| German | Satz | From the verb “setzen” (to set); emphasizes structure and precision. |
| Portuguese | Frase / Sentença | “Frase” for everyday use; “sentença” used in law or judgment. |
| Russian | Предложение (Predlozheniye) | Literally “proposition”; combines logic and communication. |
| Hindi | वाक्य (Vakya) | Rooted in Sanskrit, means a complete thought — often tied to teaching. |
| Arabic | جملة (Jumla) | Derived from “complete”; represents a full and meaningful statement. |
| Chinese (Mandarin) | 句子 (Jùzi) | Emphasizes structure and clarity — key in Chinese grammar. |
| Japanese | 文 (Bun) | Used for both sentences and written texts, blending art with logic. |
| Swahili | Sentensi / Kifungu | Influenced by English and Arabic; used in schools and law. |
| Turkish | Cümle | Originates from Arabic; represents unity and completeness. |
| Korean | 문장 (Mun-jang) | Literally “composition”; reflects Korea’s literary tradition. |
| Zulu | Isigwebo / Isisho | Can mean a sentence or saying, depending on context. |
🇪🇸 How to Say Sentence in Spanish
The Spanish word for “sentence” can be expressed in two ways:
- Oración — means both sentence and prayer.
- Frase — means phrase or expression.
Oración (pronounced oh-rah-see-OWN) is most common in grammar and spirituality.
When teachers say “Escribe una oración” — they mean “Write a sentence.”
But when someone says “Una oración para la paz” — they mean “A prayer for peace.”
That dual meaning is beautiful — it shows how in Spanish, words are not just grammatical units; they are living expressions of soul and emotion.
🇪🇺 How to Say “Sentence” in European Languages
In Europe, the concept of a sentence reflects the continent’s diversity of thought and logic.
- French — Phrase: Rooted in expression; the French see sentences as art.
- Italian — Frase: Often musical and lyrical — every sentence sings.
- German — Satz: Structured, logical, and precise; sentences are built like engineering works.
- Portuguese — Frase/Sentença: “Frase” for language, “sentença” for justice — showing two faces of expression.
- English — Sentence: Carries the dual meaning of expression and punishment — proof that words have power.
Across Europe, the “sentence” represents not only grammar, but also judgment, art, and identity — a perfect reflection of cultural variety.
🌏 How to Say “Sentence” in Asian Languages
Asian languages often connect a sentence to harmony, thought, or spirituality.
- Hindi — Vakya: In Sanskrit philosophy, “Vakya” is a complete idea — language as divine sound.
- Arabic — Jumla: Rooted in “complete,” symbolizing perfection in thought.
- Chinese — Jùzi: Each character carefully balanced — structure equals beauty.
- Japanese — Bun: Found in “Bunsho” (writing) and “Bungaku” (literature); language as art.
- Korean — Munjang: Represents structure and storytelling combined.
- Turkish — Cümle: Borrowed from Arabic “jumla”; a reflection of unity in speech.
- Thai — Prakot wakhya: Literally “formation of words,” showing creation through language.
- Persian — Jomleh: Poetic and rhythmic; reflects Persian literature’s flow.
- Indonesian — Kalimat: Influenced by Arabic “kalima”; used in religion and grammar alike.
- Hebrew — Mishpat (משפט): Means both “sentence” and “law,” showing moral duality.
Asian languages beautifully blend grammar and philosophy — each sentence a piece of wisdom.
🌍 How to Say “Sentence” in African Languages
Africa’s expressions for “sentence” reveal a deep connection between storytelling and communication.
- Swahili — Sentensi / Kifungu: Used in schools; “Kifungu” means a clause or section.
- Zulu — Isigwebo: Means both “sentence” and “judgment.”
- Yoruba — Gbolohun: Derived from “speech” and “understanding.”
- Amharic — Wängel: Relates to the Gospel or important message.
- Akan (Ghana) — Nsɛm: Refers to words, speech, or stories.
- Somali — Weedh: Means “expression” or “statement.”
- Hausa — Jumla: Borrowed from Arabic; reflects the spread of Islamic scholarship.
- Shona — Chirevo: A saying or moral statement.
- Wolof — Léér: Connected with clarity and understanding.
- Berber — Tazrikt: Represents complete thought and spoken truth.
In Africa, a sentence is more than grammar — it’s communication with purpose.
🌺 Indigenous & Island Languages: Sentences of the Soul
- Hawaiian — ʻŌlelo: Means both “language” and “speech”; rooted in cultural identity.
- Maori — Rerenga: Literally “flow”; each sentence flows like water.
- Cherokee — Asegi: Reflects storytelling traditions.
- Samoan — Fuaiupu: Refers to a verse or phrase; often poetic.
- Fijian — Vosa: Means both “word” and “speech”; connected to power and truth.
- Tahitian — Parau: Represents word, speech, or truth.
- Inuit — Oqallinneq: Communication that brings understanding.
- Guaraní — Ñe’ẽ: Means “word” and “soul” — language as life.
- Haitian Creole — Fraz: From French; adapted to local rhythm.
- Tagalog — Pangungusap: Used for sentences, emphasizing clarity and structure.
These communities treat language as sacred — every sentence is a heartbeat of culture.
💬 Cultural Insights: The Power of a Sentence
From sacred prayers to courtroom judgments, sentences shape our world.
In Spanish, “oración” shows this perfectly — language as both communication and devotion.
A sentence is how we tell stories, express feelings, and record history.
When you learn how to say “sentence” in Spanish, you’re not just translating — you’re stepping into a culture that believes every word carries soul, rhythm, and purpose.
🌸 Proverbs About Language and Sentences
- Spanish: “Una palabra amable abre todas las puertas.” — “A kind word opens every door.”
- Turkish: “Söz gümüşse, sükût altındır.” — “Speech is silver, silence is golden.”
- Arabic: “Your tongue is your horse — if you take care of it, it takes care of you.”
- Chinese: “A single word can warm three winters.”
- Zulu: “Words are like spears; once thrown, they cannot be taken back.”
Language, when spoken with care, can heal or harm — every sentence is a choice.
❓ FAQs
Q1: What is the word for “sentence” in Spanish?
It can be either “oración” (for sentences or prayers) or “frase” (for shorter phrases).
Q2: How do you pronounce “oración”?
Pronounced oh-rah-see-OWN — stress on the final syllable.
Q3: What’s the difference between “frase” and “oración”?
“Frase” is a group of words without a full idea. “Oración” expresses a complete thought.
Q4: Why does “oración” mean both “sentence” and “prayer”?
Because Spanish evolved through Latin and religious tradition — communication and prayer were seen as one.
Q5: How do other languages express the idea of a sentence?
Many cultures use words linked to thought, completeness, or speech — showing that a sentence is both structure and meaning.
❤️ Conclusion: Every Sentence Tells a Story
Learning how to say “sentence” in Spanish is more than vocabulary — it’s an invitation to express yourself, to think, and to connect.
Every oración you form is a reflection of your voice, your heart, and your understanding of the world.
From Istanbul to Madrid, from Tokyo to Nairobi, language is our greatest bridge — and a sentence is the step we take to cross it.
💬 Your turn:
Write your first oración en español in the comments below — and let your words travel the world! 🌎
