esposa
“esposa” means “wife” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
wife
Also: spouse
📝 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.
handcuff
📝 In Action
El policía le puso las esposas al sospechoso.
B2The police officer put the handcuffs on the suspect.
Logró quitarse una esposa y trató de correr.
C1He managed to get one handcuff off and tried to run.
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: esposa
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'esposa' to mean 'wife'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin word 'sponsa', which meant 'a betrothed woman' or 'fiancée'. This came from the verb 'spondēre', meaning 'to promise solemnly'. The meaning for 'handcuffs' is a metaphor, thinking of how both marriage and handcuffs bind or join two things together.
First recorded: Around the 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
💡 Master Spanish
Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!
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'.