otra mitad
/otɾa mitad/from spelling rules
In Spanish, "other half" is translated as otra mitad.
While otra mitad can be used to refer to a spouse, it is more frequently used in a literal sense, such as referring to half of a cake or half of a population. To refer to a spouse informally, you might use mi otra mitad.
Meaning: spouse (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the feminine adjective otra (other) and the feminine noun mitad (half).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The expression mi otra mitad is an informal way to express "my other half". For a more common colloquial idiom meaning a romantic partner or soulmate, Spanish speakers often use mi media naranja.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because mitad is a feminine noun, the definite article la must be used in the feminine form, as seen in la otra mitad.
How do you pronounce it?
/otɾa mitad/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, the concept of 'half' in romance is linked to the Platonic myth that humans were originally split in two and spend their lives searching for their other part.
- The word mitad shares a common ancestor with the English word 'mid', as both derive from the Latin 'medius' meaning 'middle'.
- The term media naranja is so culturally ingrained that it is frequently used in Spanish romantic comedies and pop songs to denote a perfect match.
Examples in context
- La mitad del mundo busca a la otra mitad.Half of the world is searching for the other half.This sentence uses otra mitad to demonstrate its use in a literal sense regarding the world.Tatoeba #2152570 by Shishir, translation #10113848 by DJ_Saidez
- La mitad del mundo tiene algo que decir, pero no puede, la otra mitad no tiene nada que decir, pero no calla.Half of the world has something to say but can't, the other half don't, but won't shut up.Tatoeba #6183506 by rafaeldejesus8199, translation #9063062 by rafaeldejesus8199
- Eres la otra mitad de mi cerebro.You're the other half of my brain.This sentence uses otra mitad to show a metaphorical use for a part of the brain.Tatoeba #10059149 by Teiruzu, translation #10059150 by DJ_Saidez
- Mi esposa es mi media naranja. Juntos somos felices.My wife is my other half. Together we are happy.
- Ella es mi otra mitad. Juntos formamos un equipo inquebrantable.She is my other half, together we form an unbreakable team.
Example conversation
María and Alejandro are talking about a party invitation.
- María¿Vas a venir a la fiesta con tu otra mitad?Are you coming to the party with your other half?
- AlejandroSí, mi otra mitad ya confirmó que irá.Yes, my other half already confirmed they are going.
- María¡Qué bien! Me alegra mucho.That's great! I'm very happy.
- AlejandroGracias, María. Nos vemos el sábado.Thanks, María. See you on Saturday.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mitad, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
