Spanish Conversation · Level 175
15 words
Spanish word
madrina
Pronunciation
IPA/maˈðɾina/
Meaning
- feminine noungodmother
Example
Mi madrina es muy cariñosa.
My godmother is very caring.
More examples
Mi madrina me enseñó a cocinar.
My godmother taught me to cook.
Core concept
Woman chosen as a sponsor and protective figure at a baptism or similar ceremony.
Common phrases
mi madrina
my godmother
ser madrina
be a godmother
madrina de bautizo
baptismal godmother
Similar words
padrino: Man who sponsors a child at baptism and acts as the child's ceremonial guardian.
patrocinadora: Individual or organization that provides funds or official backing for an event or activity.
Definition in Spanish
Mujer que actúa como patrocinadora o figura de apoyo para otra persona, sobre todo en ceremonias religiosas como el bautizo, asumiendo un compromiso simbólico de protección.
Word origin
From medieval Latin madrīna, ultimately from Latin mater 'mother', the word shifted from a maternal sense to a title for a woman who pledges protection or sponsorship at ceremonies.
Usage tips
- In invitations and social contexts madrina often means an honorary sponsor (madrina de honor) rather than a strictly religious role.
Other meanings
- sponsornoun
- matron of honornoun
Related words
- madrinogodfathernoun
- madrinarbe a godparentverb
- madrinazgogodparenthoodnoun