virgen

virgin

noun adjective BEER-hehn Rare

Origin: From Latin virgo, virginis (maiden, virgin).

Also means

the Virgin Mary

Usage Note

Virgen as a noun most commonly refers to the Virgin Mary in Spanish-speaking cultures, where la Virgen is a pervasive religious and cultural figure. As an adjective it means untouched or pure (aceite virgen, virgin olive oil; selva virgen, virgin forest). The plural is vírgenes, with an accent shift.

Examples

"La procesión honra a la Virgen del pueblo."

Natural Translation

The procession honors the town's Virgin Mary.

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

El or La? Spanish Noun Gender Rules Made Simple

El or la? Spanish noun gender is ~99% readable off the word's ending. Learn the o/a defaults, LONERS, feminine endings, and the handful of rebels to memorize.

June 3, 2026 7 min read

SpanishNow

Spanish Reflexive Verbs: Me, Te, Se Made Clear

Spanish reflexive verbs use me, te, se for actions you do to yourself. Master the daily-routine pattern, pronoun placement, and shifts like dormir vs dormirse.

June 9, 2026 6 min read

SpanishNow

Por vs Para in Spanish: One Mental Model, No Acronyms

Por looks backward at cause and path; para looks forward at goal and destination. Master por vs para in Spanish with one mental model — no acronyms needed.

June 3, 2026 6 min read