Mi Mujer y Mi Esposa - What is Your Preference?

Question

I first heard the words "mi mujer" used in a novela. I thought the man was calling the lady "my woman" (my property) and it really bothered me. I later found out that "mujer" actually means "wife." I was wondering if someone who lives, or lived in a Spanish-speaking country can tell me whether the words "mi mujer" are still commonly used to express "my wife" or is this used only in novelas? My preference is "mi esposa."

Great question! - 00cdfbd9, Mar 24, 2012

Changed your category, amiga. - --Mariana--, Mar 24, 2012

Very interesting topic. =] - DJ_Huero, Mar 26, 2012

Answer 1

Hola amiga,

I'm getting married in June (very excited! ) so I've familiarized with the terminology to be sure I use the proper wording with my fiancée's family. She is from Central Mexico, and I've been to some weddings with her. It can be kind of confusing because until they marry, the Bride is still called "la novia". I was like what, la novia has always been "girlfriend", pero así es. Once married she can be referred to as " la esposa". But, you can never go wrong making your pareja smile with sweet terms of endearment, my personal fav being "mi amorsita".

Amongst the handy terms used in discussion though, when one is in my position of the process (engaged), I can say "mi prometida" which is like "my fiancée". As well in vise versa you can swap that a-ending for and o-ending.

Long story short, I would refer to my wife as "mi esposa" in general conversation, based on a Mexican culture influence.

Answer 2

The wedding vows are marido y mujer. So yes, mujer can mean wife. This is in Mexico.

I think it's the same everywhere gringo. It just means 'my wife' which is possesive, ornot, depending on your take on it.. - annierats, Mar 24, 2012

Annie, it might be the same everywhere but I can only speak to Mexico as I have not spent much time elsewhere. But in the vows I think it is husband and wife, marido y mujer. I always wondered why there is not a marida (feminine form of marido). - gringojrf, Mar 24, 2012

I've never been to Mexico but I'm trying to read South American books at the moment. - annierats, Mar 25, 2012

Perhaps we can introduce 'marida'? Good thinking, the word is lacking... - annierats, Mar 25, 2012

Answer 3

I agree! I remember the first time I hear that!

"Mi mujer" sounds a bit...well...like MY woman!

Here in Guatemala they almost always use "esposa" or "novia" depending on the context of course.

In England everybody is now divorced.. - annierats, Mar 24, 2012

Jeje...America, too! It's a national disaster! - --Mariana--, Mar 24, 2012

Really sad. - 00cdfbd9, Mar 24, 2012

Well, I've been married for 100's of years, possibly this is sad too.. - annierats, Mar 24, 2012

Hmm... 100?? :O Well, I think marriage is a great thing even though I'm only 16, I would like to be married someday. jajaja.... - 00cdfbd9, Mar 24, 2012

Hey kat, whats up? *winks* - Ox-Y-Gen, Mar 24, 2012

Hahaha. Very funny. I'm not looking now, thanks though! ;) - 00cdfbd9, Mar 24, 2012

Getting married is awesome! Jeje... I hope mine is great and lasts like my parents. (can't go wrong with Christ @ the core) =] - DJ_Huero, Mar 26, 2012

Answer 4

A young Spanish friend of mine uses 'mi mujer' although the young lady ( very pretty!) is not his wife.

Este es mi ex esposa, puede ser una frase útil. I think, nowadays, it is used, in the same way as we say ' my partner' in England. Not very many people get married any more.

Así es la vida. Las cosas se cambian.