sacrosanto

sacrosanct

adjective sah-kroh-SAHN-toh Rare

Origin: Latin sacrosanctus (made holy by sacred rite).

Also means

inviolable

Usage Note

Sacrosanto originally denoted something protected by religious law, but in modern usage it is frequently ironic or critical, suggesting that something is being treated as untouchable when it perhaps should not be—el sacrosanto mercado (the sacrosanct market). The feminine form is sacrosanta. Its tone is almost always slightly elevated or sarcastic.

Examples

"Para ellos, el reglamento es sacrosanto."

Natural Translation

For them, the regulation is sacrosanct.

Related Words

Explore Spanish by topic

SpanishNow

How to Introduce Yourself in Spanish: 12 Real Phrases

Introduce yourself in Spanish with 12 ready-to-speak phrases — name, origin, age, and job — in both tú and usted, with the verb traps that trip up beginners.

June 9, 2026 5 min read

SpanishNow

Ser vs. Estar: When to Use Each in Spanish

Ser vs estar made simple: how you feel and where you are use estar, everything else uses ser. Master the rule, the exceptions, and the traps that flip meaning.

June 3, 2026 6 min read

SpanishNow

The Spanish Cheek Kiss: Greeting Etiquette by Country

Two kisses in Spain, one in most of Latin America. Master the Spanish cheek kiss greeting — which cheek first, the air-kiss mechanics, and when to shake hands.

June 3, 2026 6 min read

SpanishNow

Spain vs Latin American Spanish: Key Differences

Spain and Latin American Spanish are fully mutually intelligible. Compare vosotros vs ustedes, coche vs carro, the 'th' sound, and learn which one to study.

June 9, 2026 6 min read