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madrina

mah-DREE-nah/maˈðɾina/

“madrina” means “godmother” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

godmother

Also: sponsor
NounfA1
Mexico
A kind woman in a graceful dress smiling as she holds a baby wrapped in a white blanket during a ceremony.

📝 In Action

Mi madrina me compró un libro para mi cumpleaños.

A1

My godmother bought me a book for my birthday.

¿Quién será la madrina del bebé?

A1

Who will be the baby's godmother?

Ella es mi madrina de bautizo.

A2

She is my godmother from my baptism.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • protectora (protector)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • madrina de bautizo – baptismal godmother
  • madrina de confirmación – confirmation godmother
  • ser la madrina – to be the godmother

Idioms & Expressions

  • madrina de guerra – A woman who writes encouraging letters to soldiers during wartime.

matron of honor, maid of honor

Also: patroness
NounfB1
Spain
A woman in an elegant gown holding a bouquet of flowers, standing next to a bride in a white wedding dress.

📝 In Action

La madrina de la boda llevaba un vestido azul precioso.

B1

The matron of honor at the wedding wore a beautiful blue dress.

Fue elegida madrina del nuevo barco de la marina.

B2

She was chosen as the patroness for the navy's new ship.

Como madrina, ella entregó los anillos.

B1

As the sponsor/matron of honor, she handed over the rings.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • patrocinadora (sponsor)

Common Collocations

  • madrina de boda – matron/maid of honor
  • madrina de anillos – ring sponsor (wedding)

Vocabulary Collections

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "madrina" in Spanish:

godmother→patroness→sponsor→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: madrina

Question 1 of 3

What is the male equivalent of a 'madrina'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
padrino(godfather) — Noun
ahijada(goddaughter) — Noun
comadre(child's godmother (in relation to the parents)) — Noun
apadrinar(to sponsor or act as a godparent) — Verb
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

Derived from the Latin 'matrina', which comes from 'mater' (mother). It literally means 'a woman acting as a mother' in a spiritual context.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

Italian: madrinaFrench: marrainePortuguese: madrinha

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can a 'madrina' be single?

Yes, a 'madrina' can be single, married, or of any age, as long as she is chosen to fulfill the supportive role in the ceremony.

Is 'madrina' only for religious events?

While primarily religious (baptisms, confirmations), it is also used for secular events like weddings, graduations, or even opening a new business where a woman acts as a 'sponsor'.

What is the difference between 'madre' and 'madrina'?

'Madre' is your biological or legal mother. 'Madrina' is your godmother, a person chosen to help guide you or sponsor you in a ceremony.