soltero
/solˈteɾo/
The English phrase "unmarried man" is translated into Spanish as soltero.
The word soltero can function as both a noun, meaning a single man and as an adjective meaning unmarried.
Which one should you use?
You may also see hombre soltero or varón soltero used to specifically denote an unmarried man.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word changes gender and number to match the subject: soltera is the feminine form for an unmarried woman, solteros is the masculine plural form used for a group of unmarried men or a mixed-gender group and solteras is the feminine plural form used specifically for a group consisting only of unmarried women.
How do you pronounce it?
/solˈteɾo/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, a solterón is not just a single man, but a 'confirmed bachelor' who is viewed as unlikely to ever marry.
- Using the verb ser with soltero defines being single as a core identity, while using estar describes it as a temporary state.
- The word soltero is inherited from the Latin sōlitārius, meaning 'lonely'.
Examples in context
- Es un hombre soltero y exitosoHe is a successful unmarried man
- Busco un varón soltero para una relación seriaI'm looking for an unmarried man for a serious relationship
- Pedro es un soltero empedernido, nunca quiere comprometersePedro is a hopeless bachelor, he never wants to commit
- María preguntó a su amiga Ana si conocía a algún hombre soltero para presentarle a su hermana.Maria asked her friend Ana if she knew any unmarried man to introduce to her sister.
- Él es soltero.He is single.
- Él sigue siendo soltero.He is still unmarried.
- Mi hermano es soltero actualmente.My brother is currently unmarried.
- Busco un hombre soltero para la fiesta.I am looking for an unmarried man for the party.
Example conversation
Mateo and Lucía are talking about a mutual friend.
- Mateo¿Juan se casó finalmente?Did Juan finally get married?
- LucíaNo, él sigue soltero.No, he is still single.
- MateoMe sorprende mucho.That surprises me a lot.
- LucíaA él le gusta su libertad.He likes his freedom.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry soltero, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries soltero, CC BY-SA 4.0.
