matrimonio
/matɾiˈmonjo/masculine
The English phrase "married couple" is translated into Spanish as matrimonio.
The term matrimonio is used to denote a married couple. It is a versatile word that can refer specifically to the unit of the two people who are married or to the legal institution of marriage itself.
Meaning: two people who are married to each other (noun)
Which one should you use?
While matrimonio refers specifically to a married couple, the word pareja is a more common, less formal way to say "couple" and can refer to any two people in a relationship, whether they are married or not.
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 is derived from the Latin mātrimōnium, which combines the root for 'mother' with a suffix meaning 'duty' or 'condition'.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, inviting el matrimonio to an event implies a formal invitation to the household as a single unit rather than two separate guests.
- In certain legal contexts, the term matrimonio can refer to the specific act of the wedding ceremony itself, not just the couple or the state of being married.
Examples in context
- Aquel matrimonio de famosos adoptó a un niño de cada raza.That celebrity married couple adopted a child of every race.This sentence shows how to use matrimonio when referring to a celebrity married couple.Tatoeba #10185894 by saverius, translation #12227295 by Miktsoanit
- Ayer conocí a una pareja casada muy amable en la conferencia.Yesterday, I met a very friendly married couple at the conference.
- El matrimonio fue invitado de honor en la ceremonia.The married couple was the guest of honor at the ceremony.
- Los esposos Villalba son pilares de nuestra comunidad.The married couple, the Villalbas, are pillars of our community.
- Anoche fui a cenar con una pareja de casados muy divertida.Last night, I went to dinner with a very fun married couple.
- Mis vecinos, el marido y la mujer, siempre organizan barbacoas en verano.My neighbors, the husband and wife, always organize barbecues in the summer.
- En la boda de mi hermana, el matrimonio se divirtió muchísimo.At my sister's wedding, the married couple had a great time.
- Ese matrimonio vive en la casa azul.That married couple lives in the blue house.
- El matrimonio compró un coche nuevo.The married couple bought a new car.
Example conversation
María and Alejandro are talking about their neighbors.
- MaríaMira a ese matrimonio caminar por el parque.Look at that married couple walking through the park.
- AlejandroSí, se ven muy enamorados.Yes, they look very much in love.
- María¿Crees que llevan mucho tiempo casados?Do you think they have been married for a long time?
- AlejandroParece que son un matrimonio joven.It seems like they are a young married couple.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “married couple” translations and entries matrimonio, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries matrimonio, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
