esposas
/esˈposas/feminine, plural
The English word 'handcuffs' is translated into Spanish as esposas. Wiktionary also lists grilletes and marrocas.
Meaning: metal rings for fastening wrists (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| esposas | /esˈposas/ | feminine, plural |
| grilletes | /ɡɾiʝetes/ (from spelling rules) | masculine, plural |
| marrocas | /maˈrokas/ | feminine, plural |
| chachas | /ˈt͡ʃat͡ʃas/ | feminine, plural |
| grillas | /ɡɾiʝas/ (from spelling rules) | feminine, plural |
The term refers to the metal rings used to fasten a person's wrists. If you want to describe the action of putting handcuffs on someone, you can use the verb esposar.
Which one should you use?
esposas is the standard term for handcuffs. In contrast, grilletes refers more generally to shackles or fetters and is often used in a more formal or historical context than esposas. Other forms include marrocas, chachas and grillas.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because esposas is a plural noun, you use un par de to specify a single pair of handcuffs.
How do you pronounce it?
/esˈposas/
What mistakes should you avoid?
While esposas is the standard term for handcuffs, it is also the most common word for 'wives'.
Did you know?
- The word esposas is derived from the Latin sponsio, meaning a promise or pledge. This is why the same word is used for both a spouse and a restraint, as both are historically viewed as binding commitments.
- In some regions, the slang term chachas is used for handcuffs, which is surprising because it can also be a derogatory term for a domestic worker in other contexts.
- Because esposas is the word for both 'handcuffs' and 'wives', a joke about a person being 'arrested' might actually be a joke about marriage.
Examples in context
- Este disfraz viene con esposas.This costume comes with handcuffs.This sentence shows how to use esposas when discussing a costume.Tatoeba #9136289 by rafaeldejesus8199, translation #9136290 by rafaeldejesus8199
- Había un par de esposas sobre la cama.There was a pair of handcuffs on the bed.This sentence uses esposas to describe a pair of handcuffs found on a bed.Tatoeba #1678825 by marcelostockle, translation #1678827 by marcelostockle
- El policía le quitó las esposas a Tom.The police officer removed Tom's handcuffs.This sentence demonstrates the use of esposas in a context involving a police officer.Tatoeba #5144196 by Umino, translation #4501732 by CK
- El oficial de policía le colocó las esposas al sospechoso.The police officer put the handcuffs on the suspect.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Alejandro are looking at a movie prop on a set.
- Sofía¿Son de verdad esas esposas?Are those handcuffs real?
- AlejandroNo, son solo de utilería para la película.No, they are just props for the movie.
- SofíaMenos mal, parecían muy pesadas.Thank goodness, they looked very heavy.
- AlejandroSí, pero no lastiman a los actores.Yes, but they don't hurt the actors.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “handcuffs” translations and entries esposas, grilletes, marrocas, chachas, grillas, 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.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
