Today’s Spanish word of the day is a two for one: “esposo” and “esposa”.
“Esposo” is a masculine noun meaning “husband”, while “esposa” is a feminine noun meaning “wife”.
Confusingly, there are some other very common ways of referring to a husband and wife:
- Marido – This word means “husband”, and is slightly less formal than “esposo”.
- Mujer – Literally meaning “woman”, the word “mujer” can also be used to mean “wife”. While calling your wife “your woman” might sound somewhat disrespectful in English, it doesn’t in Spanish.
The words “esposo” and “esposa” come from the Latin word sponsus, meaning “betrothed” or “promised solemnly”. This is also the root of the English words “spouse” and “sponsor”.
Interestingly, the feminine plural noun “esposas” can mean not just “wives” but also “handcuffs”. Handcuffs were given this name in the Middle Ages due to the association between getting married and losing one’s liberty, or becoming bound to someone/something.
Example sentences
Conocí a mi esposo en la universidad.
I met my husband at university.
Mi esposa dice que ronco como un oso.
My wife says I snore like a bear.
Mi esposo tiene alergias alimentarias, ¿qué nos recomienda?
My husband has food allergies, what do you recommend?
Mi esposa y yo vamos al cine esta noche.
My wife and I are going to the movies tonight.
Estoy buscando un regalo para mi esposa.
I’m looking for a gift for my wife.
