matrimonio concertado
/matɾimonjo konθeɾtado/from spelling rules
In Spanish, arranged marriage is matrimonio concertado.
The phrase is used to describe a marriage where the partners are selected by their parents or other family members.
What does it mean word for word?
The term is composed of matrimonio (marriage) and the past participle concertado (arranged/agreed upon).
Which one should you use?
While matrimonio concertado implies the selection of partners by others, the phrase matrimonio por conveniencia refers to a marriage of convenience, which often implies a marriage entered into for practical or legal advantages rather than love.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the phrase plural, both the noun and the adjective must be changed to their plural forms: matrimonios concertados.
How do you pronounce it?
/matɾimonjo konθeɾtado/
Did you know?
- The adjective concertado in matrimonio concertado shares a root with the English word 'concert'. Both come from the idea of several parties acting in harmony or agreement to reach a goal.
- The root of matrimonio traces back to the Latin mātrimōnium, which originally referred to the state or condition of being a mother or the status of a wife.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, the concept of matrimonio concertado is distinct from matrimonio forzado, where the latter implies a lack of consent and legal coercion.
Examples in context
- Ese matrimonio concertado fue decidido por sus padres.That arranged marriage was decided by her parents.
- Muchos no aceptan un matrimonio concertado hoy en día.Many do not accept an arranged marriage nowadays.
Example conversation
Alejandro and María are discussing a character in a novel.
- Alejandro¿Crees que la protagonista sufre por su matrimonio concertado?Do you think the protagonist suffers because of her arranged marriage?
- MaríaSí, Alejandro, parece muy triste en el libro.Yes, Alejandro, she seems very sad in the book.
- AlejandroEs una historia muy dramática sobre su familia.It is a very dramatic story about her family.
- MaríaEs cierto, la presión familiar es muy fuerte.It is true, the family pressure is very strong.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries matrimonio, CC BY-SA 4.0.
