Inklingo

How to Say "spouses" in Spanish

English → Spanish

esposas

/es-POH-sas//esˈposas/

nounA1general
Use 'esposas' when referring specifically to the female partner in a marriage, often translated as 'wives'.
Two smiling adult women standing side-by-side, dressed in colorful clothing, representing wives.

Examples

Las esposas de los bomberos organizaron una colecta.

The firefighters' wives organized a collection.

Todas las esposas se reunieron para el brindis.

All the wives gathered for the toast.

Plural Nouns

This is the plural form of the feminine noun 'esposa' (wife). Just like in English, you add an 's' to make it plural.

parejas

/pah-REH-has//paˈɾexas/

nounA1general
Use 'parejas' to refer to a couple, which can include married spouses but also unmarried partners or any pair of people in a relationship.
A simple illustration of a man and a woman holding hands, representing a couple.

Examples

Hay tres parejas bailando en la pista.

There are three couples dancing on the floor.

Las parejas jóvenes se mudaron al apartamento de al lado.

The young couples moved into the apartment next door.

Feminine Plural

Since the singular form 'pareja' is feminine, the plural 'parejas' is also feminine. Remember to use feminine adjectives and articles with it (e.g., 'las parejas', 'unas parejas').

Using 'parejas' for groups larger than two

Mistake: “Usar 'parejas' para un trío.”

Correction: Use 'grupos' or 'tríos'. 'Parejas' strictly means groups of two people.

Confusing 'esposas' and 'parejas'

The most common mistake is using 'esposas' when you mean a general 'couple' ('parejas'). Remember that 'esposas' specifically refers to 'wives' (female spouses), not a mixed-gender couple or a general group of married people.

Related Translations

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