divorciado
/diboɾˈθjado/
The English word 'divorced' is translated into Spanish as divorciado.
This adjective describes someone whose marriage has been legally dissolved. In Spanish, you describe this state by using the verb estar (to be) rather than ser.
Meaning: having had one's marriage legally dissolved (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the adjective must agree in gender and number with the people being described. Use divorciado for a man (masculine singular) and divorciada for a woman (feminine singular). For a group of men or a mixed-gender group, use divorciados (masculine plural). If you are referring exclusively to a group of women, use divorciadas (feminine plural).
How do you pronounce it?
/diboɾˈθjado/
Did you know?
- The verb divorciar is a direct relative of the Latin 'divortium', which shares its roots with the English word 'divert', as both involve a turning away from a path or a connection.
- In Spain, the legal process to become divorciado was drastically simplified in 2005 with the introduction of the 'express divorce'. This law removed the requirement to prove a reason for the divorce, such as adultery or abandonment.
- While divorciado is the legal status, Spanish speakers often use the phrase estamos separados to describe a couple who are living apart but not yet legally divorciados. This distinction is socially significant and implies a different emotional or legal stage of the breakup.
Examples in context
- ¿Cuántas veces se ha divorciado Tom?How many times has Tom been divorced?This sentence is useful for asking how many times someone has been divorced using the form divorciado.Tatoeba #8916745 by Munia, translation #6967420 by CK
- Jack White y Karen Elson están divorciados.Jack White and Karen Elson are divorced.This sentence describes a specific pair of people using the form divorciado.Tatoeba #1290115 by hayastan, translation #1404546 by marcelostockle
- Estamos divorciados.We're divorced.This sentence describes a group of people using the form divorciado.Tatoeba #2580807 by hayastan, translation #2107342 by CK
- Estoy divorciado/a desde hace dos añosI have been divorced for two years.
- Mis padres están separadosMy parents are separated.
- Soy libre, mi matrimonio ha terminadoI am free, my marriage is over.
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and Lucía are catching up at a cafe.
- Mateo¿Tu hermano sigue casado o está divorciado?Is your brother still married or is he divorced?
- LucíaÉl está divorciado desde hace un año.He has been divorced for a year.
- MateoLo siento mucho, Lucía.I am very sorry, Lucía.
- LucíaNo te preocupes, él está muy bien.Don't worry, he is doing very well.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “divorced” translations and entries divorciado, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries divorciado, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
