suegra
/ˈsweɡɾa/feminine
The English phrase "mother-in-law" is translated into Spanish as suegra.
suegra is a feminine noun used to refer to the mother of one's spouse.
Meaning: spouse's mother (noun)
Which one should you use?
While suegra refers specifically to a mother-in-law, the masculine form suegro is used for a father-in-law. To refer to a group of parents-in-law (including both men and women) or a group of only men, the masculine plural suegros is used.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word is feminine. When referring to a mixed-gender group of parents-in-law, the masculine plural suegros is employed.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈsweɡɾa/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, suegra is the central figure of a common trope in comedy and folk songs, often portrayed as a formidable or overbearing character.
- The linguistic relatives of suegra are found far beyond Europe, including the Russian word Свекровь, showing the massive reach of its ancient root.
- In some Latin American regions, it is common to address a suegra as doña followed by her first name to show respect, rather than calling her by the title suegra to her face.
Examples in context
- ¡Hola, suegra!Hello, mother-in-law!
- Mi suegra es muy amable.My mother-in-law is very kind.
- Voy a visitar a mi suegra.I am going to visit my mother-in-law.
- Tu suegra cocina de maravilla.Your mother-in-law cooks wonderfully.
Example conversation
Sofía and Javier are talking about their weekend plans.
- SofíaTengo que comprar un regalo para mi suegra.I have to buy a gift for my mother-in-law.
- Javier¿Qué quieres comprarle, Sofía?What do you want to buy her, Sofía?
- SofíaBusco un perfume que le guste.I'm looking for a perfume that she would like.
- JavierSeguro que a tu suegra le encantará.I'm sure your mother-in-law will love it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “mother-in-law” translations and entries suegra, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries suegra, CC BY-SA 4.0.
