How to Say "to court" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to court” is “cortejar” — use 'cortejar' when describing the act of romantically pursuing someone, similar to 'to woo' or 'to date'. It can also be used figuratively to describe seeking the favor of a group, like voters..
cortejar
/kor-te-HAR//koɾteˈxaɾ/
Examples
El joven cortejó a la señorita con serenatas y regalos.
The young man courted the lady with serenades and gifts.
El caballero intentó cortejar a la dama con flores y poemas.
The gentleman tried to court the lady with flowers and poems.
Lleva meses cortejándola, pero ella aún no se decide.
He has been wooing her for months, but she still hasn't decided.
En el siglo XIX, los hombres tenían que cortejar formalmente a sus futuras esposas.
In the 19th century, men had to formally court their future wives.
The Personal 'A'
Since you are courting a person, you must use the word 'a' before the person's name or the pronoun. For example: 'Cortejar a María'.
Abstract Courting
When 'cortejar' is used with abstract concepts like 'danger' or 'success,' it doesn't need the 'personal a' because these aren't people.
Missing the Personal 'A'
Mistake: “Cortejo María.”
Correction: Cortejo a María. (In Spanish, we need 'a' when the action of the verb happens directly to a specific person).
festejar
/fess-teh-HAR//festeˈxaɾ/
Examples
El poeta festejaba a su amada con versos apasionados.
The poet courted his beloved with passionate verses.
El joven caballero festejaba a la dama con poemas.
The young gentleman courted the lady with poems.
Pasó meses festejándola antes de pedir su mano.
He spent months wooing her before asking for her hand.
En las novelas antiguas, los hombres solían festejar a las mujeres en el balcón.
In old novels, men used to court women at the balcony.
Direct Object Person
When using this meaning, you are acting upon a person. In Spanish, we use the word 'a' before the person you are courting (e.g., 'festejar a alguien').
Modern Confusion
Mistake: “Using this in a bar.”
Correction: If you say this to a modern Spanish speaker, they might think you are 'celebrating' them. Use 'coquetear' or 'ligar' for modern flirting.
rondar
/ron-DAR//ronˈdaɾ/
Examples
El pretendiente rondaba la casa de la joven cada noche.
The suitor courted the young woman's house every night.
Una idea me ronda la cabeza desde hace días.
An idea has been hovering in my mind for days.
El fantasma de la duda le rondaba la mente.
The ghost of doubt was haunting his mind.
Esa canción me ronda por la cabeza.
That song is stuck in my head (lingering in my mind).
Body Parts
When an idea haunts your head, we use 'la cabeza' with the article 'la', not 'mi cabeza'. The context makes it clear whose head it is.
Cortejar vs. Festejar
Related Translations
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