Spanish Conversation · Level 7
87 words
Spanish word
esposas
Pronunciation
IPA/esˈposas/
Meaning
- feminine nounhandcuffs
Example
La policía le puso esposas al detenido.
The police put handcuffs on the detainee.
More examples
El detenido pidió que le quitaran las esposas antes de declarar.
The detainee asked that they remove his handcuffs before testifying.
Core concept
Paired metal cuffs joined by a short chain that lock around the wrists.
Common phrases
poner esposas
put on handcuffs
quitar esposas
remove handcuffs
llevar esposas
wear handcuffs
Similar words
grillete: Single metal shackle or small cuff that closes around one wrist to secure and restrict movement.
Definition in Spanish
Plural de 'esposa' que, además de 'mujeres casadas', se emplea en ámbitos policiales para referirse a los grilletes metálicos que cierran las muñecas.
Word origin
Spanish 'esposas' derives from Latin sponsa 'bride' and originally named bracelets or armlets, with the plural later extending to metal wrist cuffs used by police.
Usage tips
- As a false friend for English speakers, las esposas often means handcuffs in police or news contexts, while a following name or possessive (las esposas de Ana) means wives.
Other meanings
- wivesnoun
Opposites
- libertadfreedomnoun
- liberaciónreleasenoun
Related words
- esposarhandcuffverb
- esposadohandcuffedadjective