sposo
/ˈspɔ.zo/masculine
The Italian word for bridegroom is sposo.
sposo is a masculine noun meaning bridegroom or groom.
Meaning: bridegroom, groom (noun)
Which one should you use?
The masculine form sposo (bridegroom) contrasts with the feminine form sposa (bride).
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form sposi can refer to the couple (the newlyweds) or to multiple grooms/husbands depending on context.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable: /ˈspɔ.zo/.
Did you know?
- The word sposo is conceptually linked to the idea of a 'promise' or 'pledge', stemming from the Latin 'sponsio' which is also the root of the English 'sponsor'.
- In traditional Italian weddings, the sposo is forbidden from seeing the sposa or her dress until the moment they meet at the altar to ensure good luck.
- The phrase sposo di primo letto is an old-fashioned way to describe a first husband, contrasting with a second husband.
Examples in context
- Poi prese in disparte lo sposo e gli disse: "Tutti offrono per primo il vino di qualità migliore, lasciando quello più economico per quando gli ospiti ne avranno avuto abbastanza, ma tu hai riservato il migliore finora."Then he called the bridegroom aside and said, "Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink, but you have saved the best till now."Tatoeba #11215615 by carlosalberto, translation #11215538 by carlosalberto
- Mi congratulo con lo sposo per il suo matrimonio.I congratulate the bridegroom on his wedding.
- Lo sposo è molto elegante oggi.The groom is very elegant today.
- Abbiamo comprato un regalo per lo sposo.We bought a gift for the groom.
Example conversation
Martina and Francesco are guests at a wedding.
- MartinaGuarda che bello lo sposo in quel vestito!Look how handsome the groom is in that suit!
- FrancescoSì, è davvero molto elegante.Yes, he is really very elegant.
- MartinaCredi che lo sposo sia già in chiesa?Do you think the groom is already in the church?
- FrancescoSì, deve aspettare la sposa.Yes, he must wait for the bride.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bridegroom” translations and entries sposo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sposo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
