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Letanía means litany — a common term in Beautiful Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: April 16, 2026

✨ Beautiful Spanish

Letanía

noun • /[le-ta-NEE-a]/

litany

Example:

Repitió una letanía de quejas.

He repeated a litany of complaints.

🧠 What does Letanía mean?

The Spanish word 'letanía' translates to 'litany' in English. It refers to a long, repetitive, or monotonous series of things, often a prayer or a list of petitions recited with responses. In a broader, non-religious context, it can describe a lengthy and perhaps tiresome recitation of complaints, requests, or facts. The word carries a sense of something being drawn out, often with a rhythmic or repetitive quality, whether in a formal or informal setting.

📚 Extra examples

  • La letanía de quejas del cliente era interminable.
    The customer's litany of complaints was endless.
  • El sacerdote recitó la letanía de los santos.
    The priest recited the litany of the saints.
  • Escuchó la misma letanía de excusas cada vez que llegaba tarde.
    He heard the same litany of excuses every time he was late.
  • Una letanía de bendiciones fue ofrecida por el maestro.
    A litany of blessings was offered by the teacher.

💡 Did You Know?

The word 'letanía' originates from the Latin 'litania', which in turn comes from the Greek 'leitaneia', meaning 'supplication' or 'petition'. This highlights its deep historical roots in religious and ceremonial contexts.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "Letanía"

Synonyms: enumeración, lista, repertorio, sucesión, cadena, oración larga, interminable, monótono, repetitivo
Opposites: breve, conciso, escaso, puntual, selecto

🔍 See more beautiful spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'litany' in Spanish?
The Spanish word for 'litany' is letanía.
How do you pronounce 'Letanía' in Spanish?
The pronunciation of 'Letanía' is leh-tah-NEE-ah. The stress falls on the second 'a'.
How do you use 'Letanía' in a sentence?
'Letanía' is used similarly to its English counterpart. It can refer to a religious prayer, a list of petitions, or a long, repetitive series of items. For example: 'La letanía de problemas parecía no tener fin.' (The litany of problems seemed endless.)
What is the English translation of 'Letanía'?
The English translation of 'Letanía' is litany.
Does 'Letanía' change for gender or number?
Yes, 'letanía' is a feminine noun. Its plural form is 'leteranías'.
Is 'Letanía' common in everyday Spanish?
While its religious usage is understood, the more general use of 'letanía' to describe a long, repetitive series is reasonably common, especially when referring to complaints or a string of similar items.
Does 'Letanía' have slang or double meanings?
In its common usage, 'letanía' does not typically have slang or double meanings. Its primary meanings relate to repetition and length, often in a slightly negative or overwhelming context when referring to non-religious matters.
Is 'Letanía' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The core meanings of 'letanía' are consistent across Spain and Latin America. The religious context is widely understood, and the secular usage referring to a long, repetitive list is also common in both regions.

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