The word: suegro
Father-in-law in Spanish is suegro, roughly "SWEH-groh." Mother-in-law is suegra, and together they're mis suegros. Like suegra, people use it for a serious partner's dad even before marriage.
What to call him
- Señor: always safe on the first meeting.
- Don + his first name (Don Luis): respectful and friendly. A great default in Mexico and much of Latin America.
- Suegro: in many families, dads enjoy being called suegro, and it's often said with a grin. Wait until you've heard others joke with him this way.
- His first name: only if he tells you to.
What to talk about
Sports, his work, where he grew up, and the food are safe and easy. Asking him to explain something is the fastest way in.
Phrases that earn respect
A firm handshake, eye contact, and offering to help go a long way. So does saying something kind about his family.
Want to make a good first impression?
Start with the phrases that keep you in every conversation, plus a checklist counting down to the day you meet him.
- All 10 rescue phrases as a PDF, with pronunciation
- A week-by-week checklist for your date
Want these phrases built around their family?
Familia Ready turns their real names, their food, and your story into a short Spanish countdown timed to the day you see them. 10–15 minutes a day, made for beginners.
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How do you say father-in-law in Spanish?
Suegro. Mother-in-law is suegra, and both parents together are los suegros.
Can I call my girlfriend's or boyfriend's dad suegro?
Often yes, and many dads like it, but wait until you've heard the family use it with him. Start with Señor or Don plus his first name.
What do you call your in-laws' relationship to your parents?
Consuegros. Your parents and your partner's parents are consuegros to each other.
What's the Spanish for son-in-law and daughter-in-law?
Yerno is son-in-law and nuera is daughter-in-law. That's what he may call you.