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ex

eks/eks/

ex

Also: ex-boyfriend, ex-girlfriend
Nounm/fA2
Two stylized human figures, a man and a woman, standing a short distance apart. A single, thin, dotted line connects them, representing a past relationship.

📝 In Action

Mi ex me llamó anoche para desearme un feliz cumpleaños.

A2

My ex called me last night to wish me a happy birthday.

¿Conoces a la ex de Pedro? Es muy simpática.

B1

Do you know Pedro's ex? She's very nice.

Hemos decidido que los dos ex somos ahora buenos amigos.

B1

We have decided that the two of us (ex-partners) are now good friends.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • expareja (former partner)
  • excónyuge (ex-spouse)

Common Collocations

  • el ex – the male ex
  • la ex – the female ex

former

Also: out of office
PrefixB2neutral/formal
A simple, empty wooden pedestal showing only the faint, residual shadow outline of an object that used to rest on top, symbolizing a former status.

📝 In Action

El ex-presidente dio un discurso en la universidad.

B2

The former president gave a speech at the university.

Necesitamos hablar con el ex-director sobre este proyecto.

C1

We need to speak with the former director about this project.

Word Connections

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • ex-ministro – former minister
  • ex-alumno – alumnus / former student

out of

Also: beyond
PrefixC1formal
A bright green sphere is shown emerging halfway out of the opening of a dark wooden box, illustrating movement from inside to outside.

📝 In Action

En la palabra 'extraer', 'ex-' significa sacar algo hacia afuera.

C1

In 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.

C2

The root 'ex' in 'excelente' (excellent) suggests that the quality goes beyond what is expected.

Word Connections

Common Collocations

  • ex + poner (colocar) – to place out (expose)
  • ex + cavar (hacer un hueco) – to dig out (excavate)

Translate to Spanish

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: ex

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence uses 'ex' as a standalone noun referring to a person?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
expareja(former partner) — Noun
excelente(excellent) — Adjective
📚 Etymology▼

The Spanish word comes directly from the Latin preposition *ex*, which meant 'out of,' 'from,' or 'away from.' Over time, this root evolved in Romance languages to also signify 'former' or 'previous,' especially when attached to titles.

First recorded: Ancient Latin

Cognates (Related words)

English: ex- (prefix)French: exItalian: ex

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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').