Which one should you use?
While pareja sentimental is specifically used to denote a romantic relationship, the shortened form pareja can simply mean 'a couple' or 'a partner' depending on the context in which it is used.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Pareja sentimental is a formal or clinical way to describe a romantic relationship and is often used in legal, psychological or official contexts. For more formal terms regarding a spouse, you would use Esposo for husband or Esposa for wife. In informal settings, you might use Amor as a nickname or Enamorado/Enamorada to refer to a partner.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word pareja is a feminine noun. Because of this, the phrase remains pareja sentimental even if the partner you are referring to is male.
How do you pronounce it?
/paɾexa sentimental/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, using the term mi amor as a nickname is common even among strangers, such as a shopkeeper addressing a customer, and does not always imply a romantic relationship.
- The word pareja stems from the Late Latin diminutive pāricula, which is a tiny version of the word for 'equal' or 'peer'. It implies that a partner is someone who is your equal.
- While pareja means 'partner', it is also the standard word for a 'pair' of objects or a 'partner' in dancing and sports. In a social setting, calling someone your pareja without further context can be ambiguous.
Examples in context
- Mi pareja es mi mejor amigo.My romantic partner is my best friend.
- Mi esposo es un gran compañero de vida.My husband is a great life companion.
- Mi novia es una mujer fuerte e inteligente.My girlfriend is a strong and intelligent woman.
- ¿Cómo estás, amor?How are you, love?
- Mi media naranja tiene un gran sentido del humor.My better half has a great sense of humor.
- Mi enamorada es la persona más dulce que conozco.My sweetheart is the sweetest person I know.
- Mi compañera me apoya en todas mis decisiones.My partner supports me in all my decisions.
- Mi amado es mi razón de ser.My beloved is my reason for being.
- Él es mi pareja sentimental.He is my romantic partner.
- Ella es su nueva pareja sentimental.She is his new romantic partner.
Example conversation
Javier and Sofia are talking about their personal lives.
- JavierSofia, ¿tienes alguna pareja sentimental?Sofia, do you have a romantic partner?
- SofíaNo, Javier, estoy soltera.No, Javier, I am single.
- JavierYo también busco una pareja sentimental.I am also looking for a romantic partner.
- SofíaEspero que encuentres a alguien pronto.I hope you find someone soon.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pareja, CC BY-SA 4.0.
