votos matrimoniales
/botos matɾimonjales/from spelling rules
The English phrase "wedding vows" is translated into Spanish as votos matrimoniales.
votos matrimoniales refers to the formal promises that two people make to each other during a marriage ceremony. While votos is the standard term for the formal ceremony, promesas matrimoniales can be used to describe the promises themselves in a more descriptive sense.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of votos (vows) and matrimoniales (matrimonial/marriage-related).
Which one should you use?
A common alternative way to say "wedding vows" is votos de boda.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form is voto matrimonial.
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the word voto also means 'vote' in a political election. The same word describes both a sacred promise to a spouse and a ballot cast in a polling station.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the formal vows are often followed by the 'arras' ceremony, where the couple exchanges thirteen gold coins to symbolize their commitment to shared prosperity.
- In some traditional Catholic ceremonies in Spanish-speaking countries, the couple does not write their own votos. Instead, they recite a fixed formula provided by the church, making personal vows a relatively recent cultural import.
Examples in context
- Los votos matrimoniales son muy emotivos.The wedding vows are very emotional.
- ¿Escribiste tus votos matrimoniales?Did you write your wedding vows?
- Ella leyó sus votos matrimoniales con calma.She read her wedding vows calmly.
Example conversation
A couple is preparing for their ceremony in a garden.
- MaríaDaniel, ¿ya tienes listos los votos matrimoniales?Daniel, do you have the wedding vows ready?
- DanielSí, María, los tengo en mi bolsillo.Yes, María, I have them in my pocket.
- MaríaQué bien, estoy muy nerviosa por la ceremonia.That's good, I am very nervous about the ceremony.
- DanielNo te preocupes, todo saldrá perfecto.Don't worry, everything will turn out perfectly.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
