exesposa
/eɡsesposa/from spelling rules
The English phrase "ex-wife" is translated into Spanish as exesposa.
The term refers to a woman who was previously married to the person being discussed but is no longer. Common variations include exmujer and mi ex.
What does it mean word for word?
exesposa is a compound of the prefix ex- (former) and esposa (wife).
Which one should you use?
exesposa is slightly more formal or traditional than exmujer, which is more direct and common in modern speech. In casual conversation, speakers often shorten the term to just la ex.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a formal way to say ex-wife, you can use antigua esposa. For informal situations, you can use mi ex or la ex.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, such as Mexico, exmujer is used to refer to an ex-wife.
How do you pronounce it?
/eɡsesposa/
Did you know?
- The word esposa comes from the Latin sponsus, meaning 'betrothed'. Because of this root, the term exesposa literally points back to a broken promise or contract rather than just a finished marriage.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, particularly within the drama of telenovelas, the term mi ex is used to describe a former romantic partner even if the couple was never legally married. It functions more as a label for a 'former flame' than a legal status.
- If a person wants to refer to a former wife in a very respectful or poetic way, they might use the term mi otrora esposa, though this is quite archaic.
Examples in context
- Mi ex sigue siendo amiga míaMy ex is still my friend
- Su exesposa es una mujer muy inteligente.His ex-wife is a very intelligent woman.
- Tengo que hablar con mi exesposa sobre los niños.I have to talk to my ex-wife about the children.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a mutual acquaintance at a café.
- Elena¿Cómo está la exesposa de Mateo?How is Mateo's ex-wife?
- MateoElla está muy bien, vive en otra ciudad.She is doing very well, she lives in another city.
- ElenaQué bueno que ella esté feliz.It is good that she is happy.
- MateoSí, Mateo también parece estar tranquilo.Yes, Mateo also seems to be at peace.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry exesposa, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
