Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
How to Say Husband in Spanish
Esposo · noun · ehs-POH-soh
Esposo is the standard, slightly formal Spanish word for husband. Marido is its everyday counterpart, used just as frequently in conversation. Both words are universally understood and interchangeable in most situations. Esposo derives from the Latin sponsus (betrothed), while marido comes from maritus (married man).
Esposo has three syllables: es-PO-so. The stress falls on the second syllable. All vowels are clear and open, typical of Spanish pronunciation.
Mi esposo y yo celebramos diez años de casados.
My husband and I celebrated ten years of marriage.
Husband in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for husband, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| esposo | husband | ehs-POH-soh | Default, widely understood |
| marido | husband | common, slightly more casual |
How Native Speakers Use Esposo
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Formal introduction
Le presento a mi esposo, el señor García.
Let me introduce my husband, Mr. García.
Esposo suits formal or professional introductions.
Casual conversation
Mi marido cocina mejor que yo.
My husband cooks better than I do.
Marido feels relaxed and natural in everyday speech.
Third-person reference
El esposo de Ana trabaja en el hospital.
Ana's husband works at the hospital.
Either esposo or marido works when referring to someone else's husband.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Esposo
Gender mix-up
Incorrect: Mi esposa llegó tarde. (when referring to a male partner)
Correct: Mi esposo llegó tarde.
Esposa is the feminine form meaning wife. Use esposo for husband.
Using novio for husband
Incorrect: Te presento a mi novio. (after marriage)
Correct: Te presento a mi esposo.
Novio means boyfriend or fiancé, not husband. After marriage, the correct term is esposo or marido.
Lock in Husband Vocabulary with the Parrot Method
Why word lists alone don't stick
Memorizing a translation feels productive, but most learners forget 70% of what they studied within 48 hours. Vocabulary needs spaced repetition AND real-world exposure to transfer to long-term memory.
See Esposo used by native speakers
Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using esposo in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear Mi esposo y yo celebramos diez años de casados. while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.
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Common Questions About Husband in Spanish
- Is esposo more formal than marido?
- Slightly. Esposo is preferred in official documents, legal settings, and formal speech. Marido is equally correct but more conversational. Many speakers alternate between them freely.
- Can marido sound old-fashioned?
- In some regions, younger speakers lean toward esposo, viewing marido as traditional. However, marido remains mainstream and is not considered outdated in most of the Spanish-speaking world.
- How do you say ex-husband in Spanish?
- The standard term is ex esposo or ex marido. In legal documents, you may also see antiguo cónyuge (former spouse).