concepción

Concepción is a Spanish noun that can refer to the act or result of conceiving, i.e., conception, and more broadly to concept. In religious contexts it is often used in expressions such as the Immaculate Conception, translated as Inmaculada Concepción, referring to Mary’s conception without original sin. The term is also used in everyday language to denote an idea or plan.

As a toponym, Concepción is a common place name in the Spanish-speaking world. Notable examples include Concepción, Chile, a major city in the Biobío Region situated on the Biobío River near the Pacific coast; it serves as an administrative and educational center and hosts one of the country’s older universities. Another example is Concepción del Uruguay, a city in Entre Ríos Province, Argentina, recognized for its historical role in the region’s development. In the Dominican Republic, Concepción de la Vega is a town in Monseñor Nouel Province, named after a local parish. Numerous smaller municipalities and districts across Latin America and beyond bear the name, reflecting the cultural and religious influence of the term.

People and institutions also use Concepción as a given name or surname, and the phrase appears in the names of churches, schools, and other organizations, often paired with Inmaculada Concepción in Catholic contexts. The term remains a common element in geography, culture, and religious tradition across Spanish-speaking communities.