Voices en Español

I used to chuckle whenever I heard a man refer to his wife as “mi mujer” (“my woman”). To me, it sounded kind of brutish and Tarzan-like.

I did a little research and discovered that the word “mujer” isn’t universally used to mean “wife” in Spanish. In some parts of Argentina, for example, the term “mi mujer” means a lover, not a wife, according to Alfredo I. Álvarez, author of the book “Hablar en español.” And in Mexico, mi mujer is considered rather informal and esposa is considered a more courteous way of referring to one’s wife. But in Spain, I’ve never heard anyone in conversation refer to their wife as their “esposa.”

So, which term should you use? Well, if you’re in Spain, mujer is fine. Outside of Spain, if you say esposa you will never be misunderstood, although you may sound a little formal depending on the context. But when speaking a foreign language better to seem too formal and stuffy-sounding than too informal and, possibly, crass.

And what about the husbands? Are they maridos or esposos? Well, both terms are universally used, so there’s no debate there.

Movie poster from Galeria Cubarte.