matrimonio
/ma-tree-MOH-nyoh/
marriage
The primary meaning of matrimonio is the institution or state of marriage, often symbolized by the permanent commitment of interlocking rings.
matrimonio(Noun)
marriage
?the institution, state, or relationship
matrimony
?a more formal or religious term for marriage
📝 In Action
Su matrimonio duró más de cincuenta años.
A2Their marriage lasted more than fifty years.
El matrimonio civil se celebra en el ayuntamiento.
B1The civil marriage ceremony is held at the town hall.
Para ella, el matrimonio es un compromiso para toda la vida.
B2For her, marriage is a lifelong commitment.
💡 Grammar Points
Always a Masculine Noun
Even though marriage can involve people of any gender, the word 'matrimonio' itself is always masculine in Spanish. So, you'll always say 'el matrimonio' or 'un matrimonio'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'matrimonio' and 'boda'
Mistake: "Me invitaron a su matrimonio el sábado."
Correction: Me invitaron a su boda el sábado. (They invited me to their wedding on Saturday.) 'Boda' is the wedding ceremony or party, while 'matrimonio' is the long-term state of being married.
⭐ Usage Tips
Sounding Formal
While 'casarse' is the common way to say 'to get married,' the phrase 'contraer matrimonio' is used in legal documents and very formal situations. It's like saying 'to enter into matrimony' in English.
When matrimonio refers to the people, it means 'married couple,' treating the two individuals as a single unit.
matrimonio(Noun)
married couple
?the two people who are married
the couple
?when it's understood they are married
📝 In Action
El matrimonio que vive al lado es muy amable.
B1The married couple that lives next door is very kind.
Somos un matrimonio joven y acabamos de comprar nuestra primera casa.
B1We are a young married couple and we just bought our first house.
El famoso matrimonio de actores anunció su separación.
B2The famous acting couple announced their separation.
💡 Grammar Points
A Singular Word for Two People
When 'matrimonio' means 'a married couple,' it refers to two people but is still a singular word. This means the verb that goes with it must also be singular. For example, 'El matrimonio es...' (The couple is...), not 'El matrimonio son...'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using a Plural Verb
Mistake: "El matrimonio son de Argentina."
Correction: El matrimonio es de Argentina. (The married couple is from Argentina.) Because 'matrimonio' is a singular noun, the verb must match it.
⭐ Usage Tips
Let Context Guide You
You can easily tell which meaning is being used by the rest of the sentence. If it's talking about a state, a law, or a duration of time, it's meaning #1. If it's talking about people doing things, it's meaning #2.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: matrimonio
Question 1 of 1
In the sentence 'El matrimonio compró una casa nueva', what does 'el matrimonio' refer to?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the real difference between 'matrimonio' and 'boda'?
Think of it this way: 'la boda' is the party (the wedding day, the ceremony, the celebration). 'El matrimonio' is the life that comes after the party (the state of being married). You go to a 'boda' to celebrate the beginning of a 'matrimonio'.
Can 'matrimonio' be used for same-sex couples?
Absolutely. In countries where same-sex marriage is legal, the term is 'matrimonio igualitario' (equal marriage). You can use 'matrimonio' to refer to any legally married couple, regardless of gender.