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How to Say "ex-girlfriend" in Spanish

English → Spanish

ex

ekseks

nounA2informal
Use 'ex' when referring to a former romantic partner in a general, informal, or direct way, especially when the past relationship is the primary focus.
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.

Examples

Mi ex me llamó anoche para desearme un feliz cumpleaños.

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

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

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

Hemos decidido que los dos ex somos ahora buenos amigos.

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

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).

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.

antigua

an-TEE-gwahanˈtiɣwa

nounB2
Use 'antigua' to refer to a former romantic partner, often implying a past relationship that is now distant or perhaps fondly remembered, carrying a slightly more formal or literary tone.
A woman and a man standing a short distance apart in a field, both looking wistfully at a small, nearly extinguished ember smoking gently on the ground between their feet, representing a past romance.

Examples

Me encontré con mi antigua en el supermercado, fue incómodo.

I ran into my old flame at the supermarket; it was awkward.

Ella es una antigua de la universidad; ahora es doctora.

She is a former student (alumna) of the university; now she is a doctor.

Choosing Between 'Ex' and 'Antigua'

The most common mistake is using 'antigua' in casual conversation where 'ex' would be more natural. While 'antigua' is correct, it can sound overly formal or even a bit poetic in everyday contexts. Stick with 'ex' for most situations unless you intend a specific, more descriptive nuance.

Related Translations

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