Spanish word

romance

Pronunciation

IPA/roˈmanθe/

Meaning

  • masculine nounromance

Example

Ella tuvo un romance con su amigo.

She had a romance with her friend.

Illustration for romance (romance)

More examples

La película cuenta la historia de un romance complicado.

The movie recounts the story of a complicated romance.

Core concept

Fling or clandestine love relationship.

Common phrases

  • tener un romance

    have a romance

  • empezar un romance

    start a romance

  • un romance pasajero

    a fleeting romance

Similar words

amor: Deep, enduring romantic love or strong affectionate devotion, often serious and long-term.
ligue: Casual, short flirtation or one-off hookup focused on attraction rather than commitment.

Definition in Spanish

Relación amorosa de carácter pasajero o clandestino, sin compromiso formal.

Word origin

Borrowed into Spanish from medieval romance (stories in the vernacular), whose association with love narratives led to its use for short, often secret romantic relationships.

Usage tips

  • The phrase tener un romance commonly carries the implication of secrecy or lack of formal commitment, and in sensitive situations words like relación or pareja are safer.

Other meanings

  • love storynoun

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word