Esposo in 30 Sekunden
- Esposo is the Spanish word for husband, used in formal and informal contexts across all Spanish-speaking regions.
- It is a masculine noun (el esposo) and its feminine counterpart is esposa (wife).
- While 'marido' is a common synonym, 'esposo' is preferred in legal and formal settings.
- Be careful with the plural 'esposas', which can mean both 'wives' and 'handcuffs'.
The word esposo is the standard Spanish term for 'husband'. It originates from the Latin 'sponsus', meaning someone who has made a solemn promise or a vow. In a literal sense, an esposo is a man joined in matrimony. While the term is universally understood across the Spanish-speaking world, its usage can vary slightly depending on the level of formality required. In most legal and formal contexts, esposo is the preferred term, whereas in daily conversation in certain regions like Spain, marido is frequently used as a synonym. However, esposo remains the more elegant and universally respectful choice for referring to someone's male spouse.
- Etymological Root
- Derived from 'spondere', the Latin verb for 'to promise'. This highlights the contractual and emotional commitment inherent in the role.
Mi esposo trabaja en la ciudad y es un hombre muy dedicado a su familia.
Interestingly, the plural form esposas has a double meaning. While it can mean 'wives', it is also the common word for 'handcuffs'. This linguistic quirk is often the subject of jokes in Spanish-speaking cultures, implying that marriage is a form of being 'bound' or 'restrained'. Despite this, the singular esposo carries no such negative connotation and is purely a term of relationship and status. It is essential for A1 learners to master this word early, as it is a foundational building block for describing family structures and social circles.
- Gender Agreement
- Esposo is masculine. The feminine counterpart is 'esposa'.
El esposo de María es médico.
Presento a mi esposo, Carlos.
- Social Context
- Using 'esposo' is a safe, polite way to refer to a husband in any Spanish-speaking country.
¿Cómo está su esposo?
Ellos son esposo y mujer.
Using the word esposo correctly involves understanding its placement in a sentence and its relationship with possessive adjectives. For beginners, the most common way to use it is with 'mi' (my), 'tu' (your), or 'su' (his/her/their/your formal). Because it is a masculine noun, any adjectives describing the husband must also be masculine. For example, 'mi esposo es alto' (my husband is tall). If you are talking about a husband in a general sense or a specific one without a possessive, you use the article 'el'.
- Possessive Usage
- Mi esposo (My husband), Tu esposo (Your husband), Su esposo (His/Her/Their/Your formal husband).
Mi esposo prefiere el café negro.
In many cultures, introducing your husband is a key social interaction. You might say, 'Le presento a mi esposo' (I introduce you to my husband). In more casual settings, you might simply say, 'Él es mi esposo'. It is also important to note that when referring to a married couple collectively, Spanish often uses the masculine plural: 'los esposos'. This can refer to the husband and wife together, though 'el matrimonio' or 'la pareja' are also common for 'the couple'.
- Plural Nuance
- 'Los esposos' can mean 'the husbands' or 'the married couple'. Context is key.
Los esposos caminaban por el parque.
¿Es él tu esposo?
- Formal Address
- When asking about someone's husband formally, use 'su esposo'.
¿Viene su esposo a la fiesta?
Quiero mucho a mi esposo.
You will encounter the word esposo in a wide variety of settings, from the most intimate family gatherings to the strictest legal environments. In television dramas (telenovelas), the word is used frequently to denote the status of a character and to drive plotlines involving marriage, loyalty, and betrayal. In these contexts, the word often carries significant emotional weight. In a legal or administrative setting, such as at a bank, a government office, or when filling out official forms, 'esposo' (or its gender-neutral legal counterpart 'cónyuge') is the standard term used to identify a male partner in a marriage.
- Legal Documents
- Forms often ask for the name of the 'esposo' or 'cónyuge'.
En el certificado de matrimonio, él figura como el esposo.
At weddings, the officiant will use the word when declaring the couple married: 'Los declaro esposo y esposa' (I declare you husband and wife). You will also hear it in social introductions. If you are at a dinner party and someone is introducing their partner, they will likely use 'esposo' to clarify the nature of their relationship. In literature, poets and authors use 'esposo' to evoke themes of union and partnership. It is a word that bridges the gap between the clinical language of the law and the warm language of the home.
- Religious Context
- Religious ceremonies almost exclusively use 'esposo' and 'esposa'.
El sacerdote bendijo al esposo y a la esposa.
Ella buscaba a su esposo entre la multitud.
- Daily Life
- Used when talking to neighbors, colleagues, or friends about family.
Mi esposo y yo vamos de vacaciones.
¿Es el esposo de la jefa?
One of the most frequent mistakes for English speakers learning Spanish is the confusion between esposo and marido. While they are often interchangeable, using 'marido' in a very formal legal document might be slightly out of place, and using 'esposo' in a very casual Spanish setting might sound a bit stiff to some ears. Another major pitfall is the plural form 'esposas'. As mentioned, 'esposas' means 'handcuffs'. If you say 'Tengo dos esposas', you might be saying 'I have two wives' or 'I have two handcuffs'. While the context usually clears this up, it is a classic source of confusion and humor.
- The 'Esposas' Trap
- Remember that 'esposas' can mean handcuffs. Be careful with plural possessives!
Incorrecto: El policía puso los esposos al ladrón. (Should be 'las esposas').
Gender agreement is another area where learners struggle. Since 'esposo' is masculine, you must use 'el' or 'un'. A common error is saying 'la esposo' because the learner is thinking of a female spouse but uses the masculine word. Conversely, saying 'mi esposa' when referring to a husband is a common slip. Additionally, learners sometimes forget that in Spanish, we often use the definite article instead of the possessive when the relationship is obvious, though with 'esposo', the possessive 'mi' is very common and natural.
- False Friends
- 'Esposo' sounds like 'spouse', which is a good mnemonic, but 'esposas' is the tricky one.
Error: Mi esposo es una buena persona. (Correct, but ensure the adjective 'buena' matches 'persona', not 'esposo').
Error: ¿Dónde está la esposo? (Should be 'el' esposo).
- Regional Variation
- In Mexico, 'esposo' is very common. In Spain, 'marido' is often the default.
Mi esposo me regaló flores.
El esposo de mi hermana es simpático.
Understanding the synonyms and related terms for esposo helps in choosing the right word for the right context. The most direct synonym is marido. While both mean husband, 'marido' is often perceived as more colloquial or traditional in Spain, whereas 'esposo' is seen as more formal or romantic in Latin America. Another important term is cónyuge, which is the gender-neutral legal term for 'spouse'. You will see 'cónyuge' on tax forms, marriage licenses, and in legal discussions. It is rarely used in casual conversation.
- Esposo vs. Marido
- Esposo is more formal/romantic; Marido is more common/traditional in Spain.
Su marido es de Madrid.
For unmarried partners, words like novio (boyfriend/fiancé), pareja (partner), or compañero (partner/companion) are used. 'Pareja' is increasingly common for both married and unmarried couples as it is gender-neutral and modern. 'Novio' can be confusing because it means both 'boyfriend' and 'groom' at a wedding. Once the wedding ceremony is over, the 'novio' becomes the 'esposo'. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for navigating social relationships in Spanish-speaking cultures.
- Legal Terms
- 'Cónyuge' is the term you will find in law books and contracts.
El cónyuge tiene derecho a la herencia.
Mi pareja y yo no estamos casados.
- The Groom
- 'Novio' is the husband-to-be during the engagement and the wedding day.
El novio estaba muy nervioso.
Es mi compañero de vida.
How Formal Is It?
Schwierigkeitsgrad
Wichtige Grammatik
Possessive adjectives (mi, tu, su)
Gender of nouns ending in -o
Personal 'a' with people
Pluralization of nouns
Adjective-noun agreement
Beispiele nach Niveau
Mi esposo es de México.
My husband is from Mexico.
Uses 'mi' (possessive adjective) and 'es' (verb ser).
El esposo de Ana es alto.
Ana's husband is tall.
Possession shown with 'de'.
Tengo un esposo muy bueno.
I have a very good husband.
Indefinite article 'un' and adjective 'bueno'.
¿Cómo se llama tu esposo?
What is your husband's name?
Interrogative sentence with 'tu'.
Mi esposo trabaja mucho.
My husband works a lot.
Present tense verb 'trabaja'.
Él es mi esposo, Juan.
He is my husband, Juan.
Subject pronoun 'él' and introduction structure.
Mi esposo y yo vivimos en Madrid.
My husband and I live in Madrid.
Compound subject 'Mi esposo y yo'.
Su esposo es médico.
Her husband is a doctor.
Possessive 'su' can mean his or her.
Conocí a mi esposo en la universidad.
I met my husband at the university.
Preterite tense 'conocí'.
Mi esposo era muy deportista de joven.
My husband was very athletic when he was young.
Imperfect tense 'era'.
Le compré un regalo a mi esposo.
I bought a gift for my husband.
Indirect object pronoun 'le'.
Mi esposo ha viajado a muchos países.
My husband has traveled to many countries.
Present perfect 'ha viajado'.
A mi esposo le gusta cocinar los domingos.
My husband likes to cook on Sundays.
Verb 'gustar' with indirect object.
El esposo de mi hermana es muy simpático.
My sister's husband is very nice.
Complex possession.
Mi esposo y yo vamos a comprar una casa.
My husband and I are going to buy a house.
Future with 'ir a'.
Vi al esposo de María en el supermercado.
I saw Maria's husband at the supermarket.
Personal 'a' before 'el esposo'.
Espero que mi esposo llegue temprano hoy.
I hope my husband arrives early today.
Present subjunctive 'llegue'.
Si mi esposo tuviera más tiempo, viajaríamos más.
If my husband had more time, we would travel more.
Imperfect subjunctive and conditional.
Mi esposo se encarga de las finanzas del hogar.
My husband takes care of the household finances.
Reflexive verb 'encargarse'.
Aunque mi esposo está cansado, siempre me ayuda.
Even though my husband is tired, he always helps me.
Conjunction 'aunque'.
Mi esposo me pidió que fuera a la tienda.
My husband asked me to go to the store.
Reported request with subjunctive.
Es importante que un esposo sea comprensivo.
It is important that a husband be understanding.
Impersonal expression with subjunctive.
Mi esposo, a quien conoces, es muy inteligente.
My husband, whom you know, is very intelligent.
Relative clause with 'a quien'.
Llevo casada con mi esposo diez años.
I have been married to my husband for ten years.
Structure 'llevar + participle + tiempo'.
El esposo tiene la obligación legal de proteger a su familia.
The husband has the legal obligation to protect his family.
Formal legalistic tone.
A pesar de las dificultades, el esposo se mantuvo firme.
Despite the difficulties, the husband remained firm.
Connector 'a pesar de'.
El papel del esposo ha evolucionado en las últimas décadas.
The role of the husband has evolved in recent decades.
Abstract social discussion.
Se dice que el esposo de la reina es muy reservado.
It is said that the queen's husband is very reserved.
Passive 'se dice'.
El esposo debe firmar el contrato para que sea válido.
The husband must sign the contract for it to be valid.
Modal verb 'deber' and subjunctive 'sea'.
Habiendo consultado con su esposo, ella tomó la decisión.
Having consulted with her husband, she made the decision.
Compound gerund 'habiendo consultado'.
No creo que el esposo sepa nada del asunto.
I don't think the husband knows anything about the matter.
Negative 'creer' with subjunctive.
El esposo, cuyo coche es rojo, es mi vecino.
The husband, whose car is red, is my neighbor.
Relative pronoun 'cuyo'.
La figura del esposo en la literatura del Siglo de Oro es compleja.
The figure of the husband in Golden Age literature is complex.
Academic literary analysis.
El esposo se vio envuelto en una trama de intrigas palaciegas.
The husband found himself caught up in a web of palace intrigues.
Sophisticated narrative style.
Resulta imperativo que el esposo cumpla con sus deberes conyugales.
It is imperative that the husband fulfill his conjugal duties.
High-level formal register.
El esposo, lejos de amilanarse, enfrentó el desafío con valentía.
The husband, far from being intimidated, faced the challenge with courage.
Advanced connector 'lejos de'.
Bajo la apariencia de un esposo ejemplar, se escondía un traidor.
Under the guise of an exemplary husband, a traitor was hidden.
Literary irony and inversion.
La devoción del esposo hacia su mujer era digna de encomio.
The husband's devotion to his wife was worthy of praise.
Elevated vocabulary ('encomio').
El esposo no pudo sino aceptar las condiciones impuestas.
The husband could not but accept the imposed conditions.
Structure 'no poder sino'.
Se cuestionó la legitimidad del esposo como heredero universal.
The husband's legitimacy as the universal heir was questioned.
Legal terminology.
La ontología del esposo en la sociedad patriarcal ha sido objeto de estudio.
The ontology of the husband in patriarchal society has been a subject of study.
Philosophical/Academic register.
El esposo, en su calidad de consorte, carecía de poder efectivo.
The husband, in his capacity as consort, lacked effective power.
Precise historical terminology.
Se desvanecieron las esperanzas de que el esposo regresara incólume.
Hopes that the husband would return unscathed vanished.
Poetic/Literary register ('incólume').
La interdependencia entre esposo y esposa trasciende el mero contrato.
The interdependence between husband and wife transcends the mere contract.
Abstract conceptualization.
El esposo se erigió como el baluarte de la resistencia familiar.
The husband established himself as the bulwark of family resistance.
Metaphorical language ('baluarte').
Pese a la sevicia del esposo, ella nunca perdió su dignidad.
Despite the husband's cruelty, she never lost her dignity.
Archaic/Legal vocabulary ('sevicia').
El esposo, cual caballero andante, partió en busca de fortuna.
The husband, like a knight-errant, set off in search of fortune.
Simile using 'cual'.
La abnegación del esposo fue el cimiento de su largo matrimonio.
The husband's self-sacrifice was the foundation of their long marriage.
Abstract nouns ('abnegación', 'cimiento').
Synonyme
Gegenteile
Häufige Kollokationen
Häufige Phrasen
Wird oft verwechselt mit
Redewendungen & Ausdrücke
Leicht verwechselbar
Synonym, but 'marido' is more colloquial in Spain.
Boyfriend or groom, not yet a husband.
Gender-neutral term for partner, married or not.
Legal term for spouse.
Can mean partner, but also classmate or colleague.
Satzmuster
So verwendest du es
Esposo is slightly more formal and romantic than marido.
Los esposos can mean 'the couple'.
Esposo is more common in Latin America; Marido is more common in Spain.
-
Esposo is a masculine noun and must take the masculine article.
-
Marido is slightly too informal for high-level legal correspondence.
-
Esposos refers to husbands; esposas refers to handcuffs.
-
Adjectives must agree in gender with the masculine noun 'esposo'.
-
Use possessive adjectives (mi) instead of 'de yo'.
Tipps
Gender Agreement
Always remember that 'esposo' is masculine. Any adjective you use to describe him must end in 'o' or be in its masculine form. For example: 'esposo simpático', not 'esposo simpática'.
Regional Choice
If you are in Spain, try using 'marido' to sound more like a local. If you are in Mexico or Colombia, 'esposo' will make you fit right in. Both are correct, but regional preference is strong.
The Handcuff Joke
If you want to make a joke in Spanish, you can mention that 'esposas' means both wives and handcuffs. It's a very old and common pun that most native speakers know.
Possessives
Don't forget to use 'mi' (my) when talking about your own husband. In English we often just say 'husband says...', but in Spanish it's always 'mi esposo dice...'.
Legal Forms
When filling out a form in a Spanish-speaking country, look for the word 'Cónyuge' if you don't see 'Esposo'. It's the legal term you'll need to know.
Telenovela Clues
In soap operas, characters often say 'mi esposo' with a lot of drama. Listening to how they emphasize the word can help you understand its emotional weight in different contexts.
Introductions
When introducing your husband, 'Le presento a mi esposo' is the most polite way. It uses the formal 'le', which is appropriate for meeting new people.
Spouse Connection
The English word 'spouse' and the Spanish 'esposo' are cognates (they share the same origin). This makes it one of the easiest words for English speakers to remember.
Plural Couples
If you are talking about two married men, you say 'los esposos'. If you are talking about a husband and a wife, you also say 'los esposos'.
The 'E' Start
Be careful not to drop the initial 'e'. It's not 'sposo', it's 'es-poso'. Spanish words rarely start with a 's' followed by a consonant without an 'e' before it.
Einprägen
Eselsbrücke
Think of 'spouse'. Esposo sounds like 'e-spouse-o'.
Wortherkunft
Latin
Kultureller Kontext
In all countries, 'cónyuge' is the legal term used in courts.
In Spain, 'marido' is extremely common in daily speech.
In Mexico, 'esposo' is the standard and most common term.
In Argentina, 'marido' is very frequent, but 'esposo' is used for formality.
Im Alltag üben
Kontexte aus dem Alltag
Gesprächseinstiege
"¿A qué se dedica tu esposo?"
"¿Cómo conociste a tu esposo?"
"¿Tu esposo habla español?"
"¿Viene tu esposo a la cena?"
"¿Qué le gusta hacer a tu esposo en su tiempo libre?"
Tagebuch-Impulse
Describe las cualidades de un buen esposo.
Escribe sobre un esposo famoso de la historia o la ficción.
¿Cómo ha cambiado el papel del esposo en tu cultura?
Imagina que eres un esposo en el siglo XIX. ¿Cómo es tu vida?
Describe a tu esposo ideal.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenYes, generally 'esposo' is considered more formal or elegant, especially in Latin America. In Spain, 'marido' is the standard word for everyday use, while 'esposo' might sound a bit stiff in a casual setting.
Yes, it does! It's a very common word for handcuffs in Spanish. It's also the plural of 'esposa' (wives). Context usually makes it clear which one you mean, but it's a famous linguistic coincidence.
Yes, in countries where same-sex marriage is legal, 'esposo' is the correct term for a male married to another man.
A 'novio' is a boyfriend or a fiancé. Once the wedding ceremony is complete, he becomes the 'esposo'. At the wedding itself, he is called the 'novio' (the groom).
You say 'el coche de mi esposo'. Spanish doesn't use 's like English; it uses the 'of' structure.
Yes, it is universally understood. While some regions prefer 'marido', 'esposo' is never incorrect and is always understood as 'husband'.
Yes, 'los esposos' is a common way to refer to a husband and wife together, similar to saying 'the spouses' or 'the married couple'.
No, 'esposo' is already quite short. There are no common nicknames or abbreviations for the word itself, though people use terms of endearment like 'mi amor' or 'cariño'.
Use 'cónyuge' only in legal, medical, or very formal administrative contexts. It sounds very clinical and is not used in normal conversation.
No, 'Esposo' is not a common surname in Spanish-speaking countries, unlike 'Husband' which can occasionally be found in English.
Teste dich selbst 180 Fragen
Write a sentence introducing your husband.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence describing your husband's job.
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Write a sentence about where your husband is from.
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Write a sentence using the word 'marido'.
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Translate: 'My husband is tall and nice.'
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Write a sentence about what your husband likes to do.
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Translate: 'I saw my husband at the park.'
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Write a sentence using 'los esposos'.
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Write a sentence using the subjunctive with 'esposo'.
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Translate: 'If my husband were here, he would help us.'
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Write a formal sentence using 'cónyuge'.
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Describe the qualities of an ideal husband in Spanish.
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Write a short story about a husband searching for a gift.
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Translate: 'The husband's role has changed over time.'
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Write a sentence using 'ex esposo'.
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Translate: 'I introduce you to my husband, Juan.'
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Write a sentence using 'futuro esposo'.
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Write a sentence about a famous husband.
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Translate: 'The husband and wife are happy.'
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Write a sentence using 'esposo fiel'.
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Describe your husband (or an imaginary one) in three sentences.
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Introduce your husband to a friend.
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Talk about what your husband did last weekend.
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Explain the difference between 'esposo' and 'marido'.
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Discuss the qualities of a good husband.
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Tell a story about how a couple met.
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Express a wish for your husband using the subjunctive.
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Describe a famous husband from a movie.
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Debate the role of the husband in modern society.
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Roleplay a legal meeting where you use the word 'cónyuge'.
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Ask someone about their husband's hobbies.
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Say 'My husband and I are going to travel' in Spanish.
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Talk about a gift you bought for your husband.
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Describe your husband's physical appearance.
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Talk about your husband's favorite food.
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Explain why 'esposas' can be a confusing word.
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Describe a husband's typical day.
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Talk about your husband's family.
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Discuss the importance of communication between 'esposos'.
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Introduce your husband at a formal gala.
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Listen and identify: 'Mi esposo es ingeniero.' What is the husband's job?
Listen and identify: 'El esposo de María está en el jardín.' Where is the husband?
Listen and identify: 'Ayer vi al esposo de mi tía.' Who did the speaker see?
Listen and identify: 'Mi esposo llegará a las ocho.' What time will he arrive?
Listen and identify: 'Quiero que mi esposo me ayude.' What does the speaker want?
Listen and identify: 'El esposo de la doctora es muy amable.' How is the husband described?
Listen and identify: 'Los esposos están de acuerdo.' Are they in agreement?
Listen and identify: 'Su esposo es de Argentina.' Where is he from?
Listen and identify: 'El esposo compró flores.' What did he buy?
Listen and identify: 'Mi esposo no sabe nada.' Does he know anything?
Listen and identify: 'El esposo de mi hermana es mi cuñado.' What is the relationship?
Listen and identify: '¿Es él tu esposo?' What is the question?
Listen and identify: 'Mi esposo prefiere dormir.' What does he prefer?
Listen and identify: 'El esposo de la vecina es ruidoso.' How is the neighbor's husband?
Listen and identify: 'Mi esposo y yo vamos a bailar.' What are they going to do?
/ 180 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The word 'esposo' is the essential term for 'husband' in Spanish. It is respectful, universally understood, and vital for describing family relationships. Example: 'Mi esposo es mi mejor amigo' (My husband is my best friend).
- Esposo is the Spanish word for husband, used in formal and informal contexts across all Spanish-speaking regions.
- It is a masculine noun (el esposo) and its feminine counterpart is esposa (wife).
- While 'marido' is a common synonym, 'esposo' is preferred in legal and formal settings.
- Be careful with the plural 'esposas', which can mean both 'wives' and 'handcuffs'.
Gender Agreement
Always remember that 'esposo' is masculine. Any adjective you use to describe him must end in 'o' or be in its masculine form. For example: 'esposo simpático', not 'esposo simpática'.
Regional Choice
If you are in Spain, try using 'marido' to sound more like a local. If you are in Mexico or Colombia, 'esposo' will make you fit right in. Both are correct, but regional preference is strong.
The Handcuff Joke
If you want to make a joke in Spanish, you can mention that 'esposas' means both wives and handcuffs. It's a very old and common pun that most native speakers know.
Possessives
Don't forget to use 'mi' (my) when talking about your own husband. In English we often just say 'husband says...', but in Spanish it's always 'mi esposo dice...'.
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A1Der Vater deines Vaters oder deiner Mutter. Mein Großvater hat dieses Haus vor vielen Jahren gebaut.
abuelo/a
A2Der Großvater oder die Großmutter. Meine abuela kocht sehr gut.
acariciar
B1Sanft und liebevoll streicheln oder liebkosen. Bsp: Sie streichelt ihre Katze; Die Brise liebkost ihr Gesicht.
acoger
B1Jemanden herzlich aufnehmen oder willkommen heißen.
acunar
B1To cradle; to hold gently in one's arms.
adolescente
A2Ein Jugendlicher ist eine Person im Alter zwischen Kindheit und Erwachsenenalter.
adopción
B1Adoption ist die rechtliche Annahme eines Kindes als eigenes.
adoptado
B1Adoptiert bedeutet, dass jemand rechtlich in eine Familie aufgenommen wurde. Es beschreibt jemanden, der kein biologisches Kind ist, aber ein gesetzliches Familienmitglied geworden ist. Adoptiert beschreibt eine Person oder ein Tier, das rechtlich von einer neuen Familie aufgenommen wurde.
