Congratulations on your journey to learn how to say “married” in Spanish! Whether you are planning to visit a Spanish-speaking country, have Spanish-speaking friends or family, or simply expanding your language skills, it’s a great idea to familiarize yourself with the formal and informal ways to express this term. In this guide, we will explore various ways to say “married” in Spanish, provide tips, offer examples, and even shed light on regional variations, although only when necessary. Let’s get started!
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Formal Ways to Say “Married” in Spanish
When it comes to formal contexts, such as addressing someone you don’t know very well or using the term “married” in official documents, it’s important to use the appropriate language. Here are a few formal ways to express this concept:
- Casado/a: This is the most common and straightforward way to say “married” in Spanish. The word “casado” is used to refer to a married man, while “casada” is used for a married woman. For example, “Él está casado” means “He is married,” and “Ella está casada” means “She is married.” Keep in mind that the endings (-ado and -ada) change based on gender.
- En matrimonio: Another way to say “married” in a formal setting is by using the phrase “en matrimonio.” This expression is often used in legal or official documents. For instance, “Están en matrimonio desde hace diez años” means “They have been married for ten years.”
- Conyugado/a: This term is less common but can be used in formal contexts or legal settings. “Conyugado” is used for a married man, while “conyugada” is used for a married woman. For example, “Ella es conyugada” means “She is married.”
Informal Ways to Say “Married” in Spanish
In informal situations, with friends, family, or colleagues you have a close relationship with, you can use these more colloquial terms:
- Casado/a: As mentioned before, the word “casado/a” is the most common and versatile way to say “married” in Spanish, even in informal settings. For example, “¿Estás casado?” means “Are you married?”
- En pareja: This expression means “in a couple” and is commonly used in informal contexts. It can refer to both married and unmarried couples. For example, “Ellos están en pareja” means “They are a couple.”
- Vivir juntos: Literally meaning “to live together,” this expression is used to refer to couples who are living together but might not be officially married. For instance, “Ellos viven juntos” means “They live together.”
Regional Variations and Cultural Tips
Spanish is spoken in a variety of countries, each with its own regional variations and cultural nuances. While the terms mentioned above are widely understood throughout the Spanish-speaking world, here are a few notable regional variations:
In some Latin American countries, like Mexico, Argentina, and Colombia, it is common to use the term “esposo/a” to refer to a husband or wife. This term is more colloquial and literally translates to “spouse.” For example, “Mi esposa está en casa” means “My wife is at home.” In Spain, however, “esposo/a” is less commonly used, and terms like “marido/a” (husband/wife) or “cónyuge” (spouse) are preferred.
Remember, while it’s important to learn these regional variations, they might not be essential for everyday communication. The terms mentioned earlier will serve you well in most situations.
Additional Phrases and Examples
To further enhance your understanding of how to say “married” in Spanish, here are a few additional phrases and examples that are commonly used:
- Recién casados: This phrase translates to “newlyweds.” For instance, “Mis primos son recién casados” means “My cousins are newlyweds.”
- Aniversario de bodas: This expression means “wedding anniversary.” For example, “Hoy celebramos nuestro aniversario de bodas” means “Today we celebrate our wedding anniversary.”
- Matrimonio: This term refers to the institution of marriage itself, rather than the state of being married. For instance, “El matrimonio es una unión sagrada” means “Marriage is a sacred union.”
Remember to practice using these phrases in different contexts to become more comfortable with their usage and expand your conversational skills in Spanish.
Summary
In summary, when it comes to expressing the concept of “married” in Spanish, you have various options depending on the formality of the context. In formal situations, “casado/a,” “en matrimonio,” and “conyugado/a” are appropriate choices. In informal settings, you can use “casado/a,” “en pareja,” or “vivir juntos.” Keep in mind regional variations and cultural nuances, but don’t worry too much about them for everyday communication. Additionally, learning complementary phrases and examples such as “recién casados,” “aniversario de bodas,” and “matrimonio” will help expand your vocabulary and provide further context.
Enjoy your journey into the Spanish language and embrace the warmth and richness it adds to your conversations. Happy learning!
