ex
/eks/
ex
The noun "ex" refers to a former partner.
ex(noun)
ex
?former partner
ex-boyfriend
?male former partner
,ex-girlfriend
?female former partner
📝 In Action
Mi ex me llamó anoche para desearme un feliz cumpleaños.
A2My ex called me last night to wish me a happy birthday.
¿Conoces a la ex de Pedro? Es muy simpática.
B1Do you know Pedro's ex? She's very nice.
Hemos decidido que los dos ex somos ahora buenos amigos.
B1We have decided that the two of us (ex-partners) are now good friends.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender and Articles
When using 'ex' to talk about a person, the word 'ex' itself doesn't change based on gender, but the article that goes before it does: 'el ex' (male) or 'la ex' (female).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Gender
Mistake: "Usar 'la ex' para un hombre."
Correction: Use 'el ex' for a man and 'la ex' for a woman, regardless of the word's appearance.
⭐ Usage Tips
Short and Sweet
Even though 'ex' is technically a shortened version of 'expareja,' native speakers almost universally use the short form 'mi ex' in casual conversation.
As a prefix, "ex-" can mean "former," indicating a previous status or position.
📝 In Action
El ex-presidente dio un discurso en la universidad.
B2The former president gave a speech at the university.
Necesitamos hablar con el ex-director sobre este proyecto.
C1We need to speak with the former director about this project.
💡 Grammar Points
Prefix Rule: Hyphens
The Spanish Royal Academy mandates that 'ex-' must be written separately from the word it modifies, connected by a hyphen, when referring to a title or position (e.g., 'ex-profesor').
❌ Common Pitfalls
Incorrect Spacing
Mistake: "Escribir 'expresidente' o 'ex presidente'."
Correction: The correct modern spelling is always with a hyphen: 'ex-presidente'. Avoid writing it as one word or two separate words without a hyphen.
⭐ Usage Tips
Always Before the Noun
When used as a 'former' prefix, 'ex-' always comes right before the noun it modifies (e.g., 'la ex-alcaldesa'), never after.
The prefix "ex-" can also mean "out of," referring to direction or origin of movement.
📝 In Action
En la palabra 'extraer', 'ex-' significa sacar algo hacia afuera.
C1In the word 'extraer' (to extract), 'ex-' means taking something outward.
La raíz 'ex' en 'excelente' sugiere que la calidad va más allá de lo esperado.
C2The root 'ex' in 'excelente' (excellent) suggests that the quality goes beyond what is expected.
💡 Grammar Points
The Hidden Meaning
In many complex verbs, 'ex-' gives a sense of separation or beginning an action from a state of rest. Knowing this root helps you guess the meaning of unfamiliar words!
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: ex
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'ex' as a standalone noun referring to a person?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'ex' change for masculine or feminine people?
The word 'ex' itself is invariable (it always stays the same), but the articles and adjectives around it change. Use 'el ex' for a man and 'la ex' for a woman. For example, 'mi guapo ex' (my handsome ex) vs. 'mi guapa ex' (my beautiful ex).
When should I use a hyphen with 'ex-'?
Always use a hyphen when 'ex-' is attached to a title or position (ex-jefe, ex-director). Do NOT use a hyphen when 'ex' is acting as a standalone noun for a partner ('mi ex').