célibe
/ˈθelibe/
The Spanish word for celibate is célibe.
The adjective célibe describes someone who is unmarried or abstaining from sexual relations. You can use the phrase elegir el celibato to describe the act of choosing celibacy, often used when someone makes a deliberate decision to live this way, such as por motivos religiosos (for religious reasons).
Meaning: unmarried (adj)
Which one should you use?
While célibe describes the state of being unmarried or abstaining from sex, it is a more formal and technical term than the common word soltero, which is the standard way to say someone is single or unmarried.
How does it change in a sentence?
To refer to more than one person, the plural form of célibe is célibes.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈθelibe/
Did you know?
- While célibe is a formal adjective, the word solterón is used as a derogatory noun to describe an older man who remains unmarried, implying he is a 'confirmed bachelor' because he is undesirable.
- The word célibe derives from the Latin 'caelibem', which originally referred to an unmarried man.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, the term celibato clerical is a common cultural shorthand for the specific mandatory celibacy required of Catholic priests.
Examples in context
- El monje eligió un camino célibe.The monk chose a celibate path.
Example conversation
Javier and Sofía are discussing a friend's lifestyle choices over coffee.
- Javier¿Sabes si él sigue siendo célibe?Do you know if he is still celibate?
- SofíaSí, él prefiere su vida célibe.Yes, he prefers his celibate life.
- JavierEs una decisión muy difícil para él.It is a very difficult decision for him.
- SofíaPero él es muy feliz así.But he is very happy that way.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “celibate” translations and entries célibe, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries célibe, CC BY-SA 4.0.
