mi suegra
/mi sweɡɾa/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'my mother-in-law' is translated into Spanish as mi suegra.
mi suegra is a common and neutral way to refer to the mother of one's spouse.
What does it mean word for word?
The word suegra is the specific Spanish noun for 'mother-in-law'. It does not contain a literal word for 'mother' or 'law' within it.
How do you pronounce it?
/mi sweɡɾa/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word suegra shares a prehistoric root with the German Schwieger and the Russian Свекровь.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the phrase la suegra is a common trope in comedy and music, often portraying the mother-in-law as a formidable or overbearing figure.
- In many Spanish-speaking households, adding the diminutive suffix to create suegrita can transform the phrase from a formal label into a term of endearment.
Examples in context
- Mi suegra siempre me trata con amabilidad.My mother-in-law always treats me with kindness.
- Mi suegra vive en Madrid.My mother-in-law lives in Madrid.
- Mañana voy a visitar a mi suegra.Tomorrow I am going to visit my mother-in-law.
- ¿Cómo está mi suegra?How is my mother-in-law?
Example conversation
Daniel and Elena are talking about family plans on the phone.
- ElenaDaniel, ¿vienes a cenar con nosotros?Daniel, are you coming to dinner with us?
- DanielNo puedo, tengo que ayudar a mi suegra.I can't, I have to help my mother-in-law.
- ElenaEntiendo, dile que le mando saludos.I understand, tell her I send my regards.
- DanielGracias, Elena, te llamo luego.Thanks, Elena, I'll call you later.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mi, suegra, CC BY-SA 4.0.
