casarse
/kasaɾse/from spelling rules
The English phrase "tying the knot" can be expressed in Spanish as casarse.
The phrase is used to describe the act of getting married.
Which one should you use?
While casarse is the standard way to express getting married, you may encounter more formal alternatives such as Contraer matrimonio or Contraer nupcias.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain and various Latin American countries, you can use the phrase Dar el sí quiero to mean "to say 'I do'".
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb casarse is reflexive, meaning the action is performed by the subject upon themselves. When you want to say you are marrying someone, you must use the preposition con (casarse con). To describe a completed action in the third person, such as "they got married", you would use se casaron.
How do you pronounce it?
/kasaɾse/
Did you know?
- In certain traditional weddings, the phrase el lazo refers to a physical cord or large rosary placed around the couple's shoulders to symbolize their eternal union. This is a literal, physical representation of the bond often described metaphorically in English.
- In some Latin American traditions, the couple exchange 'las arras', which are thirteen gold coins, symbolizing the groom's commitment to provide for the family during the wedding ceremony.
- The phrase contraer nupcias sounds very formal to modern ears, but it preserves a Latin legal tradition where marriage was viewed as a contract rather than just a romantic union.
Examples in context
- Nos vamos a casarWe are going to get married
- Quiero contraer matrimonio contigoI want to enter into matrimony with you
- Ana y Roberto se van a casarAna and Roberto are getting married
- Ellos se casaron el año pasado.They got married last year.
- ¿Cuándo te vas a casar?When are you going to get married?
- Ellos van a casarse en verano.They are going to tie the knot in the summer.
- ¿Cuándo piensan casarse ustedes?When are you two planning to tie the knot?
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a mutual friend's engagement at a cafe.
- Elena¿Sabes que Luis y Ana se van a casar?Do you know that Luis and Ana are tying the knot?
- Javier¡No lo sabía! Estoy muy feliz por él.I didn't know! I am very happy for him.
- ElenaSí, por fin van a casarse.Yes, they are finally tying the knot.
- JavierSerá una boda muy bonita.It will be a very beautiful wedding.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry casarse, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
