📝 In Action
Mi esposa es abogada.
A1My wife is a lawyer.
Fui de vacaciones con mi esposa y mis hijos.
A1I went on vacation with my wife and my children.
El señor López y su esposa son muy amables.
A2Mr. Lopez and his wife are very kind.
💡 Grammar Points
A Word with a Partner
'Esposa' is a feminine noun, so you'll use it with feminine words like 'la' or 'una'. Its partner is 'esposo' (husband), which is masculine.
❌ Common Pitfalls
'Esposa' vs. 'Mujer'
Mistake: "Sometimes learners use 'mujer' (woman) when they specifically mean 'wife'."
Correction: While you can say 'mi mujer' for 'my wife' in a casual way, 'mi esposa' is clearer and works in any situation, from casual to formal.
⭐ Usage Tips
Choosing Your Word
Use 'esposa' when you want to be clear and neutral. It's the safest and most common choice. 'Marido' (husband) and 'mujer' (wife) are also very common but can feel slightly more traditional or casual.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: esposa
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'esposa' to mean 'wife'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'esposa' and 'mujer'?
'Esposa' specifically means 'wife'. 'Mujer' means 'woman', but in many places, people use it informally to mean 'wife' (like saying 'my woman' in a casual way). 'Esposa' is clearer and can be used in any situation, formal or informal.
Why does 'esposa' also mean 'handcuff'?
It's a bit of a historical word joke! Both marriage and handcuffs involve 'binding' or 'joining' two things. The word comes from a Latin root for 'to promise' or 'to bind', and over time, Spanish speakers started using it for both meanings.
Is 'esposa' a formal word?
Not really, it's neutral. You can use it with your friends, in a business setting, or in official documents. It's the most standard word for 'wife'. 'Cónyuge' is a more formal and legal term for 'spouse'.