despedida de soltera
/despeˌdida de solˈteɾa/
The English phrase 'bridal shower' is translated into Spanish as despedida de soltera.
despedida de soltera is used to refer to a bridal shower. In English, a bridal shower often refers specifically to a daytime event focused on gifts, but in Spanish, this term is a broader expression that can cover both bridal showers and bachelorette parties.
Meaning: celebration (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, despedida de soltera means 'farewell of a single woman'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, such as Colombia, the informal phrase Rumba de la Novia can be used to describe a fun, informal bridal shower.
How do you pronounce it?
/despeˌdida de solˈteɾa/
Did you know?
- The word despedida comes from the verb despedir, which is the same verb used when a boss 'fires' an employee or when someone 'says goodbye' at an airport.
- The word rumba in the Colombian phrase Rumba de la Novia refers to any party or dance, regardless of whether the music is actually the rumba genre.
- In many Latin American countries, a despedida de soltera is less about receiving household gifts and more about a social rite of passage involving games and dancing.
Examples in context
- La despedida de soltera fue muy divertida.The bridal shower was very fun.
- ¿A qué hora es la despedida de soltera?What time is the bridal shower?
- Compré un regalo para la despedida de soltera.I bought a gift for the bridal shower.
Example conversation
Elena and Alejandro are talking about a mutual friend's upcoming event.
- ElenaAlejandro, ¿vas a la despedida de soltera de María?Alejandro, are you going to Maria's bridal shower?
- AlejandroNo, Elena, tengo que trabajar ese día.No, Elena, I have to work that day.
- ElenaEs una lástima, será una gran fiesta.That is a shame, it will be a great party.
- AlejandroEspero que ella se divierta mucho.I hope she has a lot of fun.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry despedida de soltera, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
