pretendientes
/pɾetendjentes/from spelling rules
The English phrase "suitors" is translated into Spanish as pretendientes.
The word pretendientes is used to refer to suitors in formal settings.
Which one should you use?
Unlike the English 'pretender' (which means someone who fakes something), the Spanish pretendiente refers to someone pursuing a romantic interest or a position.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of the noun is pretendiente, and the plural form is pretendientes.
How do you pronounce it?
/pɾetendjentes/
Did you know?
- In some Latin American cultures, the stage of being a pretendiente is a distinct social phase that precedes the official status of being 'novios' or boyfriend and girlfriend.
- The word pretendientes is frequently used in Spanish news reports to describe candidates competing for a single high-profile political office.
- In historical Spanish courtships, a pretendiente had to navigate a strict set of social rules called 'el cortejo' before they could even speak privately with their interest.
Examples in context
- Los cautivadores ojos de Mary vuelven locos a sus pretendientes.Mary's captivating eyes made her suitors go mad.This sentence shows how the eyes of a person can affect her pretendientes.Tatoeba #7949825 by Seael, translation #9149810 by DJ_Saidez
- El noble caballero tuvo muchos pretendientes en la corte.The noble knight had many suitors at court.
- La joven dama siempre recibía la atención de numerosos cortejadores.The young lady always received the attention of numerous suitors.
- La princesa era deseada por muchos suspirantes en todo el reino.The princess was desired by many suitors throughout the kingdom.
- Alicia tiene muchos pretendientes desde que comenzó en la universidad.Alicia has had many suitors since she started college.
- Roberto siempre tiene muchos ligues porque es muy atractivo.Roberto always has many suitors because he is very attractive.
- Ella tiene muchos pretendientes en el pueblo.She has many suitors in the village.
- Los pretendientes de la princesa llegaron ayer.The princess's suitors arrived yesterday.
Example conversation
Mateo and Sofía are chatting about a local wedding guest list.
- MateoSofía, ¿viste a los nuevos pretendientes de Elena?Sofía, did you see Elena's new suitors?
- SofíaSí, Mateo, son muy elegantes.Yes, Mateo, they are very elegant.
- MateoParece que ella tiene muchos pretendientes este año.It seems she has many suitors this year.
- SofíaEs verdad, todos quieren conocerla.It's true, everyone wants to meet her.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
