Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
How to Say Mother-in-Law in Spanish
Suegra · noun · SWEH-grah
"Suegra" is the everyday Spanish word for mother-in-law. The father-in-law is "suegro," and the plural "suegros" covers both parents-in-law. A more formal alternative is "madre política" (literally political mother), but this appears almost exclusively in legal or bureaucratic documents. In Spanish-speaking cultures, the "suegra" plays a prominent role in family life and is a beloved figure in humor and popular sayings.
"Suegra" is pronounced SWEH-grah. The "ue" diphthong glides quickly from "w" to "eh," and the "gr" cluster is crisp. Stress falls on the first syllable.
Mi suegra cocina las mejores enchiladas del mundo.
My mother-in-law makes the best enchiladas in the world.
Mother-in-Law in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for mother-in-law, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| suegra | mother-in-law | SWEH-grah | Default, widely understood |
| madre política | mother-in-law | formal / legal contexts |
How Native Speakers Use Suegra
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Family gathering
Vamos a cenar a casa de mis suegros este domingo.
We're going to have dinner at my in-laws' house this Sunday.
"Suegros" in the plural refers to both the mother-in-law and father-in-law together.
Expressing affection
Quiero mucho a mi suegra; es como una segunda madre.
I love my mother-in-law very much; she is like a second mother.
Despite stereotypes, many speakers express genuine warmth toward their "suegra" in everyday conversation.
Formal context
En el formulario, debe indicar el nombre de su madre política.
On the form, you must provide your mother-in-law's name.
"Madre política" is the formal term used in legal documents, immigration forms, and official paperwork.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Suegra
Gender confusion
Incorrect: Mi suegro cocina muy bien. (when referring to mother-in-law)
Correct: Mi suegra cocina muy bien.
"Suegro" is masculine (father-in-law) and "suegra" is feminine (mother-in-law). Mixing them up changes which parent-in-law you are talking about.
Literal translation
Incorrect: Mi madre en ley vive en Guadalajara.
Correct: Mi suegra vive en Guadalajara.
"Madre en ley" is a word-for-word calque of "mother-in-law" that does not exist in Spanish. The correct term is always "suegra" (or "madre política" in formal contexts).
Lock in Mother-in-Law 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 Suegra used by native speakers
Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using suegra in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear Mi suegra cocina las mejores enchiladas del mundo. while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.
Save, review, repeat, stay consistent
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Common Questions About Mother-in-Law in Spanish
- How do you say father-in-law in Spanish?
- Father-in-law is "suegro." To refer to both parents-in-law together, use the masculine plural: "mis suegros."
- What is the difference between "suegra" and "madre política"?
- Both mean mother-in-law, but "suegra" is the word used in daily life, while "madre política" is reserved for formal, legal, or bureaucratic contexts. In conversation, saying "madre política" would sound unusually stiff.
- How do you say other in-law relationships in Spanish?
- Brother-in-law is "cuñado" and sister-in-law is "cuñada." Son-in-law is "yerno" and daughter-in-law is "nuera." Spanish has a specific, single word for each in-law relationship, unlike the English compound constructions.