Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| matrimonio | /matɾiˈmonjo/ | masculine |
| coyunda | /koˈʝunda/ | feminine |
| connubio | /konnubjo/ (from spelling rules) | masculine, poetic |
The term matrimonio is the most common and widely used word for marriage in Spanish. It is the standard term used to refer to the legal or social institution of marriage. In certain countries, such as Mexico and other Latin American nations, the phrase matrimonio civil is used specifically to refer to a civil marriage.
Which one should you use?
While matrimonio refers to the institution or legal bond, the word boda is a common term used in Spain for a wedding and can sometimes be used to refer to marriage itself.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a more formal and traditional way to refer to the act of getting married or the state of being married, you can use nupcias. In highly literary or poetic contexts, one might use the word connubio to refer to a union or marriage.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In parts of Latin America, especially in Argentina and Uruguay, the informal term casamiento is the preferred way to say marriage. In Spain, boda is commonly used for a wedding.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of matrimonio is matrimonios.
How do you pronounce it?
/matɾiˈmonjo/
Did you know?
- The word matrimonio shares a surprising linguistic root with the English word 'mother'. It descends from the Proto-Indo-European word for 'mother', tracing through the Latin 'māter'.
- In some traditional contexts, coyunda carries a connotation of being 'yoked' together, similar to how oxen are joined. It is rarely used today except to imply a restrictive or burdensome union.
- Spanish uses the word matrimonio to refer to both the institution of marriage and the couple themselves. For example, you can say 'un matrimonio joven' to mean 'a young married couple'.
Examples in context
- Nuestro matrimonio se terminó.Our marriage is over.This sentence is useful for describing the end of a marriage using matrimonio.Tatoeba #1527049 by marcelostockle, translation #1526480 by pauldhunt
- Estoy en contra del matrimonio.I'm against the marriage.This sentence shows an expression of opinion regarding matrimonio.Tatoeba #2228150 by marcelostockle, translation #762693 by CM
- El matrimonio gay es legal acá.Gay marriage is legal here.This sentence illustrates the use of matrimonio when discussing legal rights.Tatoeba #2293293 by hayastan, translation #2265555 by Hybrid
- El matrimonio es una institución importante en nuestra sociedad.Marriage is an important institution in our society.
- Las nupcias entre el príncipe y la princesa fueron celebradas en un hermoso castillo.The nuptials between the prince and the princess were celebrated in a beautiful castle.
- Voy a asistir al casamiento de mi mejor amiga.I am going to attend my best friend's wedding.
- La boda estuvo repleta de alegría y emoción.The wedding was filled with joy and emotion.
- 76 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are talking about their parents' anniversary.
- JavierMis padres celebran diez años de matrimonio.My parents are celebrating ten years of marriage.
- Elena¡Qué bien! Tienen un matrimonio muy feliz.How great! They have a very happy marriage.
- JavierSí, ellos se quieren mucho.Yes, they love each other very much.
- ElenaEs inspirador ver un matrimonio así.It is inspiring to see a marriage like that.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “marriage” translations and entries matrimonio, coyunda, 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.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries coyunda, matrimonio, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
