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A1 noun #1,733 mais comum 8 min de leitura

husband

At the A1 level, 'husband' is a basic family word. You learn it alongside 'wife', 'mother', 'father', and 'children'. You use it to describe your family or someone else's family. The focus is on simple possession: 'My husband', 'Her husband'. You should be able to answer simple questions like 'Is he your husband?' and use the word in basic sentences about daily life, such as 'My husband is a doctor.' At this stage, you don't need to worry about the verb form or complex idioms. Just remember that it refers to a married man.
At the A2 level, you begin to use 'husband' in more descriptive contexts. You might talk about what your husband does, his hobbies, or his appearance. You start using it with common adjectives: 'She has a kind husband.' You also learn to use it in the past tense when talking about history or stories: 'Her husband was a soldier.' You should be comfortable using the plural 'husbands' and understanding the word in the context of simple social invitations or introductions.
At the B1 level, you can discuss the role of a husband in more detail. You might talk about the responsibilities of a husband in a household or compare the role of a husband in different cultures. You will encounter the word in more complex sentence structures, such as 'The man who is standing by the door is my husband.' You also start to recognize common collocations like 'devoted husband', 'estranged husband', or 'late husband' (meaning a husband who has died).
At the B2 level, you understand the nuances of the word 'husband' in various social and legal contexts. You can follow discussions about marriage laws, rights of husbands, and changing social expectations. You might encounter the word in literature or more sophisticated media where the character of a 'husband' is analyzed. You are also expected to know the difference between 'husband' and more formal terms like 'spouse' or 'consort' in specific contexts like royalty.
At the C1 level, you are aware of the historical and etymological background of the word. You understand how the word 'husband' relates to 'husbandry' (resource management). You can use the word in idiomatic expressions and understand subtle connotations in different registers. You might use the word in academic discussions about gender roles, sociology, or history. You can also use the verb form 'to husband' in formal writing to mean 'to manage carefully'.
At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of the word. You can use 'husband' as a verb with precision in high-level academic or literary contexts (e.g., 'husbanding one's strength'). You understand the full range of historical meanings and how the term has shifted in legal and social discourse over centuries. You can appreciate puns, complex metaphors, and archaic uses of the word in classical literature, such as Shakespearean texts.
Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas

husband em 30 segundos

  • A husband is a married man.
  • It is a noun used for family relationships.
  • The word comes from Old Norse meaning 'master of the house'.
  • It can also be a verb meaning 'to manage carefully'.

The term husband refers to a male partner in a marriage. Historically and legally, it signifies the status of a man who has entered into a contract of marriage with another person, traditionally a woman, though modern usage encompasses same-sex marriages as well. The role of a husband has evolved significantly over centuries, moving from a position of legal and financial authority to one of partnership and mutual support. In the context of family dynamics, a husband is often one half of the parental unit if children are involved, contributing to the domestic, emotional, and financial stability of the household. Understanding this word requires looking beyond the simple definition of 'married man' and seeing the social expectations, legal rights, and emotional bonds it represents.

Legal Status
A man becomes a husband through a legal ceremony or common-law recognition, gaining specific rights regarding inheritance, medical decisions, and shared property.

After the wedding ceremony, John became Mary's husband, and they started their new life together.

Social Role
Socially, the word implies a commitment to a shared life, often involving the management of a home and the nurturing of a relationship over a long period.

In many cultures, the title of husband carries with it various rites of passage. From the exchange of rings to the taking of a surname (though this is more common for wives), the identity of a husband is deeply embedded in cultural rituals. In literature and media, husbands are portrayed in diverse ways—from the 'provider' archetype to the 'stay-at-home' husband, reflecting the shifting landscape of gender roles in the 21st century. The word also appears in various idioms and historical contexts, such as 'husbandry', which relates to the management of resources, showing the word's roots in stewardship and caretaking.

The husband and wife worked together to renovate their first house.

Etymological Root
The word comes from Old Norse 'hūsbōndi', meaning 'master of the house', which combines 'hūs' (house) and 'bōndi' (dweller/owner).

Her husband is a talented chef who cooks for the family every night.

My husband is my best friend and my greatest supporter.

He is a devoted husband who always puts his family first.

Using the word husband is straightforward in most English contexts, but there are nuances to consider regarding possession, formal vs. informal settings, and the verb form. Most commonly, it is used with a possessive pronoun like 'my', 'her', or 'his'. For example, 'My husband is at work.' In formal introductions, you might say, 'May I introduce my husband, David?' It is also common to use the word in the plural when talking about groups of married men, such as 'The husbands were all waiting outside the shop.'

Possessive Usage
Always use a possessive adjective (my, your, her, his, our, their) or a possessive noun (Sarah's husband) to clarify the relationship.

Is that your husband over there by the car?

Beyond the noun, 'husband' can also be used as a verb, though this is much more formal and less common in daily conversation. To 'husband' something means to manage it economically or to conserve resources. For instance, 'The government must husband its resources during the crisis.' This usage is C2 level and is rarely heard in A1-B1 conversations. When speaking about the noun, remember that 'husband' is a countable noun, so it requires an article (a/the) or a possessive if it's singular.

Pluralization
The plural is 'husbands'. Example: 'Many husbands attended the parenting seminar.'

She introduced her husband to her colleagues at the party.

Formal vs. Informal
In very informal settings, people might use 'hubby', but 'husband' remains the standard and most respectful term.

The husband and wife shared a quiet dinner to celebrate their anniversary.

Her husband's name is Robert, but everyone calls him Bob.

They are looking for a gift for their husband.

You will encounter the word husband in a vast array of daily situations. In social gatherings, it is one of the most common ways to identify a partner. In legal documents, such as tax forms, marriage certificates, and insurance policies, 'husband' is a standard designation. You will also hear it frequently in entertainment—movies, TV shows, and songs often center on the relationships between husbands and their spouses. News reports might use it when discussing public figures, such as 'The Prime Minister and her husband arrived at the summit.'

In the movie, the husband goes on a journey to find his missing family.

In the workplace, colleagues might ask about your husband during small talk: 'How is your husband doing?' or 'Does your husband also work in tech?' In retail environments, sales assistants might ask, 'Is this a gift for your husband?' The word is also prevalent in literature, from classic novels where the 'search for a husband' was a central plot point (like in Jane Austen's works) to modern thrillers. It is a foundational word in the English language's vocabulary for family and social structures.

The news anchor mentioned the husband of the famous actress in the report.

The hospital called the husband to inform him of the good news.

Many songs are written about the love between a husband and wife.

The husband stood by his wife during the difficult ceremony.

One of the most common mistakes for English learners is confusing husband with 'man' or 'male'. While a husband is a man, not every man is a husband. It is a specific relational term. Another error is the misuse of possessives. Learners sometimes say 'the husband of Sarah' instead of the more natural 'Sarah's husband'. In English, we almost always use the possessive 's or a possessive pronoun for family members.

Confusion with 'Partner'
While 'partner' can refer to a husband, 'husband' specifically implies a legal marriage. Don't use 'husband' for a boyfriend or someone you are not married to.

Incorrect: He is the husband of her. Correct: He is her husband.

Another mistake involves the plural form. Some learners might try to use 'husbands' to refer to a married couple (a man and a woman), but 'husbands' only refers to multiple married men. A married couple is 'a husband and wife' or 'a married couple'. Additionally, avoid using 'husband' as a title before a name, like 'Husband John'. Unlike 'Doctor' or 'Professor', 'husband' is not a title; it is a noun describing a relationship.

Pronunciation Error
The 'u' in husband is a short /ʌ/ sound, like in 'bus'. Some learners pronounce it like 'house', which is incorrect.

Incorrect: They are husbands (referring to a man and woman). Correct: They are a married couple.

Incorrect: This is Husband David. Correct: This is my husband, David.

There are several words related to husband that learners should know to expand their vocabulary. The most direct counterpart is 'wife'. Together, they are 'spouses'. 'Partner' is a broader term that can include husbands, wives, or unmarried long-term companions. In more formal or legal contexts, 'spouse' is the preferred term because it is gender-neutral and covers both parties in a marriage.

Husband vs. Spouse
'Husband' is specifically male; 'Spouse' can be male or female. Use 'spouse' for formal documents.

While he is her husband, the legal form asks for the name of her 'spouse'.

Husband vs. Groom
A man is a 'groom' only on his wedding day. After the wedding, he is a 'husband'.

Other related terms include 'fiancé', which refers to a man who is engaged to be married but not yet a husband. 'Widower' is a man whose spouse has died. In very informal British English, you might hear 'hubby' as a term of endearment, though it should be used carefully as it can sound overly casual or even childish in certain contexts. Understanding these distinctions helps in choosing the right word for the right social situation.

Husband vs. Partner
'Partner' is common in modern English to avoid emphasizing marital status or gender, whereas 'husband' explicitly states both.

Before he was her husband, he was her fiancé for two years.

She calls him her husband, but legally they are domestic partners.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

""

Informal

""

Nível de dificuldade

Gramática essencial

Exemplos por nível

1

This is my husband.

Ceci est mon mari.

Use 'my' to show the relationship.

2

Is your husband here?

Votre mari est-il ici ?

Question form with 'is'.

3

Her husband is tall.

Son mari est grand.

Adjective 'tall' describes the husband.

4

My husband likes coffee.

Mon mari aime le café.

Present simple third person 'likes'.

5

He is a good husband.

C'est un bon mari.

Adjective 'good' before the noun.

6

Where is your husband?

Où est votre mari ?

Question word 'where'.

7

My husband and I are happy.

Mon mari et moi sommes heureux.

Compound subject 'My husband and I'.

8

Does she have a husband?

A-t-elle un mari ?

Question with 'does' and 'have'.

1

Her husband works in a bank.

Son mari travaille dans une banque.

Present simple for routine.

2

I met her husband yesterday.

J'ai rencontré son mari hier.

Past simple 'met'.

3

My husband bought a new car.

Mon mari a acheté une nouvelle voiture.

Past simple 'bought'.

4

Is her husband a doctor or a teacher?

Son mari est-il médecin ou professeur ?

Alternative question.

5

My husband's name is Mark.

Le nom de mon mari est Mark.

Possessive 's.

6

She lives with her husband in London.

Elle vit avec son mari à Londres.

Preposition 'with'.

7

Their husbands are friends.

Leurs maris sont amis.

Plural 'husbands'.

8

My husband is older than me.

Mon mari est plus âgé que moi.

Comparative 'older than'.

1

She has been married to her husband for ten years.

Elle est mariée à son mari depuis dix ans.

Present perfect 'has been'.

2

My husband, who is a chef, made dinner.

Mon mari, qui est chef, a préparé le dîner.

Relative clause 'who is a chef'.

3

It is important to support your husband.

Il est important de soutenir son mari.

Infinitive phrase 'to support'.

4

Her husband decided to change his career.

Son mari a décidé de changer de carrière.

Verb + infinitive 'decided to change'.

5

I think your husband is very kind.

Je pense que ton mari est très gentil.

Reporting clause 'I think'.

6

My husband forgot our anniversary again.

Mon mari a encore oublié notre anniversaire.

Adverb 'again'.

7

She asked her husband to help with the dishes.

Elle a demandé à son mari d'aider pour la vaisselle.

Verb + object + infinitive.

8

His husband is a very talented musician.

Son mari est un musicien très talentueux.

Same-sex marriage context.

1

The role of the husband has changed over time.

Le rôle du mari a changé au fil du temps.

Abstract noun 'role'.

2

She described her husband as a man of great integrity.

Elle a décrit son mari comme un homme d'une grande intégrité.

Describe as + noun phrase.

3

Her estranged husband still calls her every week.

Son mari dont elle est séparée l'appelle toujours chaque semaine.

Adjective 'estranged'.

4

The husband's testimony was crucial to the case.

Le témoignage du mari a été crucial pour l'affaire.

Possessive 's with abstract noun.

5

Many women now earn more than their husbands.

Beaucoup de femmes gagnent désormais plus que leurs maris.

Comparative structure.

6

He proved to be a devoted husband and father.

Il s'est avéré être un mari et un père dévoué.

Phrasal verb 'proved to be'.

7

The novel explores the complex relationship between a husband and wife.

Le roman explore la relation complexe entre un mari et une femme.

Subject-verb-object.

8

She sought her husband's advice before making the decision.

Elle a demandé l'avis de son mari avant de prendre la décision.

Possessive 's.

1

The widow spoke fondly of her late husband.

La veuve a parlé avec tendresse de son défunt mari.

Adjective 'late' meaning deceased.

2

He had to husband his resources to survive the winter.

Il a dû ménager ses ressources pour survivre à l'hiver.

Verb 'to husband' meaning to conserve.

3

The legal definition of a husband varies by jurisdiction.

La définition légale d'un mari varie selon la juridiction.

Formal academic tone.

4

She was a dutiful wife to a demanding husband.

Elle était une épouse dévouée à un mari exigeant.

Adjectives 'dutiful' and 'demanding'.

5

The concept of 'husbandry' is rooted in the management of a household.

Le concept d'« économie » est enraciné dans la gestion d'un foyer.

Etymological discussion.

6

He was accused of failing to husband the company's assets.

Il a été accusé de ne pas avoir géré les actifs de l'entreprise.

Verb 'husband' in business context.

7

The play satirizes the trope of the bumbling husband.

La pièce satirise le trope du mari maladroit.

Literary analysis.

8

Her husband's sudden departure left her in a precarious position.

Le départ soudain de son mari l'a laissée dans une position précaire.

Complex noun phrase.

1

In the Victorian era, a husband held near-absolute power over his wife's property.

À l'époque victorienne, un mari détenait un pouvoir quasi absolu sur les biens de sa femme.

Historical context.

2

The state must husband its natural reserves with utmost care.

L'État doit gérer ses réserves naturelles avec le plus grand soin.

Formal verb usage.

3

He was the quintessential house-husband, long before it was socially acceptable.

Il était l'homme au foyer par excellence, bien avant que cela ne soit socialement acceptable.

Compound noun 'house-husband'.

4

The protagonist's struggle to husband his dwindling sanity is a central theme.

La lutte du protagoniste pour préserver sa santé mentale déclinante est un thème central.

Metaphorical use of the verb.

5

She found herself the beneficiary of her husband's foresight.

Elle s'est retrouvée bénéficiaire de la prévoyance de son mari.

Formal vocabulary.

6

The treaty requires both nations to husband the shared river's water.

Le traité exige que les deux nations gèrent l'eau du fleuve partagé.

Diplomatic context.

7

His role as a husband was secondary to his ambitions as a conqueror.

Son rôle de mari était secondaire par rapport à ses ambitions de conquérant.

Comparative importance.

8

The nuances of the word 'husband' reflect centuries of patriarchal structure.

Les nuances du mot « mari » reflètent des siècles de structure patriarcale.

Sociological analysis.

Sinônimos

spouse partner better half groom hubby

Antônimos

wife ex-husband widow

Colocações comuns

devoted husband
loving husband
future husband
late husband
estranged husband
supportive husband
house husband
husband and wife
find a husband
marry a husband

Frases Comuns

Husband and wife

My dear husband

To be a good husband

The perfect husband

Husband-to-be

Ex-husband

Second husband

A husband's duty

Introduce my husband

Stay-at-home husband

Frequentemente confundido com

husband vs Man (general term for male)

husband vs Partner (can be unmarried)

husband vs Groom (only on wedding day)

Expressões idiomáticas

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

Fácil de confundir

husband vs

husband vs

husband vs

husband vs

husband vs

Padrões de frases

Como usar

legal

Often used interchangeably with 'spouse' in laws.

gender

Specifically male.

formality

Standard English; 'hubby' is informal.

Erros comuns

  • English uses possessive pronouns for family.

  • Don't forget the possessive 's.

  • Unless you are in a specific cultural context, 'husband' refers to the male partner.

  • Singular 'he' requires singular 'husband'.

  • 'Husband' is not a title.

Dicas

Possessives

Always use 'my', 'your', 'her', etc. 'The husband' sounds impersonal unless you are speaking generally.

Spouse

Learn 'spouse' for formal forms. It's the official word for husband or wife.

Introductions

When introducing him, say 'This is my husband, [Name]'.

Short U

The 'u' is short. Don't say 'hoos-band'.

Roles

Remember that roles are changing; many husbands share all housework today.

Spelling

It ends in '-band', not '-bend' or '-bond'.

Context

If you hear 'husbandry', it's about farming, not marriage!

Clarity

Use 'husband' to be specific about marital status.

Resources

To 'husband resources' is a great C1/C2 phrase for exams.

House + Band

A husband is 'banded' to the 'house'.

Memorize

Mnemônico

A 'husband' stays in the 'house' with his 'band' (wedding ring).

Origem da palavra

Old Norse

Contexto cultural

Inclusive of same-sex couples in many jurisdictions.

Emphasis on partnership and shared responsibilities.

Historically meant the master or manager of a household.

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

Iniciadores de conversa

"How did you meet your husband?"

"What does your husband do for a living?"

"Is your husband coming to the party?"

"Does your husband like to travel?"

"How long have you and your husband been married?"

Temas para diário

Describe the qualities of a good husband.

How has the role of a husband changed in your country?

Write about a famous husband from history or a movie.

If you are married, describe your husband. If not, describe your ideal partner.

What are the challenges of being a husband today?

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

Yes, but it is very formal. It means to manage resources carefully, like 'to husband one's money'. You won't hear this in daily A1-B1 conversation.

The female version is 'wife'. Together they are called a 'married couple' or 'spouses'.

It is very informal and affectionate. It is fine to use with friends, but avoid it in professional or formal settings.

In a marriage between two men, both partners are referred to as 'husbands'.

No, it is a common noun. You say 'my husband, John', not 'Husband John'.

It refers to a husband who has passed away (died).

A man who stays at home to manage the house and care for children while his spouse works.

No, 'husband' only applies if you are legally married. Use 'boyfriend' or 'partner' instead.

A husband who is still legally married but no longer lives with or has a relationship with his spouse.

It comes from Old Norse words meaning 'house' and 'dweller', essentially the master of the house.

Teste-se 30 perguntas

writing

Write a sentence about your husband (or an imaginary one).

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Describe what a husband does in your culture.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Introduce your husband to a friend.

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

Listen to a dialogue and decide if the man is a husband or a boyfriend.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:

/ 30 correct

Perfect score!

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