Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| alianza | /aˈljanθa/ /aˈljansa/ |
feminine |
| anillo de boda | /aniʝo de boda/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| anillo de casado | /aniʝo de kasado/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
The term is used to refer to a ring that symbolizes marriage. While many phrases can describe a ring used for a wedding, alianza is the most common way to refer specifically to a wedding band.
What does it mean word for word?
The word alianza literally means alliance, which reflects the symbolic union of marriage.
Which one should you use?
Anillo de boda is a literal description of a wedding ring, whereas alianza is the more common term for the specific wedding band. The phrase anillo de bodas is also used, where bodas is typically used in the plural to refer to the wedding.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain Latin American countries, including Mexico, Colombia and Argentina, alianza is commonly used. In some regions, particularly in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, the expression anillo de matrimonio is used. The forms anillo de boda and anillo de casado are also available.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun alianza is feminine, so its plural form is las alianzas.
How do you pronounce it?
/aˈljanθa/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the alianza is traditionally worn on the right hand rather than the left.
- The word anillo shares a common root with the English word 'anus'.
- The word alianza is not only used for wedding rings but is also the standard term for a political pact or a treaty between nations.
Examples in context
- Ya tengo el anillo de boda.I already have the wedding ring.This sentence is useful for stating that you already possess an anillo de boda.Tatoeba #8187771 by arh, translation #8271954 by lunchmeat317
- No traje mi anillo de bodas.I didn't bring my wedding ring with me.This sentence is useful for saying you did not bring an anillo de boda.Tatoeba #1624816 by marcelostockle, translation #1624817 by marcelostockle
- Tom se quitó su anillo de bodas.Tom took off his wedding ring.This sentence is useful for describing someone taking off an anillo de boda.Tatoeba #1165826 by marcelostockle, translation #1092650 by CK
- La sortija de matrimonio era una herencia de su abuela.The wedding ring was a family heirloom from her grandmother.
- Me encanta tu nueva alianza.I love your new wedding ring.
- ¿Dónde compraste tu anillo de matrimonio?Where did you buy your wedding ring?
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Alejandro are at a jewelry store.
- ElenaMira esta alianza, Alejandro.Look at this wedding ring, Alejandro.
- AlejandroEs muy bonita, Elena.It is very beautiful, Elena.
- Elena¿Te gusta el diseño?Do you like the design?
- AlejandroSí, es perfecta para ti.Yes, it is perfect for you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “wedding ring” translations and entries alianza, anillo de boda, 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.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries alianza, anillo, boda, de, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
