viudo
“viudo” means “widower” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
widower
📝 In Action
Mi abuelo es viudo desde hace cinco años.
A2My grandfather has been a widower for five years.
El pobre viudo vive solo en la casa de la esquina.
B1The poor widower lives alone in the house on the corner.
Como viudo, tuvo que aprender a cocinar para sus hijos.
B2As a widower, he had to learn to cook for his children.
widowed
📝 In Action
En el formulario, él marcó la casilla de 'viudo'.
A2On the form, he checked the 'widowed' box.
Es un hombre viudo que viaja mucho.
B1He is a widowed man who travels a lot.
Su padre, ahora viudo, se mudó a la ciudad.
B2His father, now widowed, moved to the city.
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: viudo
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence correctly describes a man who lost his wife?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin word 'viduus', which meant 'deprived' or 'bereft'. It's related to the idea of being 'separated' from a partner.
First recorded: 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
Can I use 'viudo' for a woman?
No. In Spanish, you must change the ending. Use 'viudo' for a man and 'viuda' for a woman.
Should I use 'ser' or 'estar' with viudo?
Both are possible! Use 'ser' (ser viudo) for his general identity or status, and 'estar' (está viudo) to describe his current situation or emphasize that he is alone now.
What is the verb for 'becoming a widower'?
The verb is 'enviudar'. For example: 'Él enviudó el año pasado' (He became a widower last year).