The word: suegra
Mother-in-law in Spanish is suegra, pronounced roughly "SWEH-grah." Father-in-law is suegro, and both of them together are los suegros.
In everyday speech, many people use suegra for a partner's mom once the relationship is serious, even before marriage.
What to call her to her face
This is the question that actually matters, and dictionaries don't answer it. Here are your options, from safest to most familiar:
- Señora: formal and always safe, especially the first time you meet.
- Doña + her first name (Doña Rosa): respectful and warm. Very common in Mexico and much of Latin America, and a great default.
- Suegra or suegrita: affectionate in many families, but it can also sound teasing. Only after your partner says it's how their family talks.
- Her first name or mamá: only if she invites you to.
Every in-law word you'll need
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
| suegra / suegro | mother-in-law / father-in-law |
| los suegros | parents-in-law |
| cuñada / cuñado | sister-in-law / brother-in-law |
| nuera | daughter-in-law (what she'll call you if you're a woman) |
| yerno | son-in-law (what she'll call you if you're a man) |
| consuegros | what your parents and your partner's parents are to each other |
| la familia política | your in-law family as a whole |
Phrases she'll love hearing
Talking about her
When you're talking about her rather than to her, use mi suegra:
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How do you say mother-in-law in Spanish?
Suegra. Father-in-law is suegro, and both parents together are los suegros.
Can I call my boyfriend's or girlfriend's mom my suegra if we're not married?
Yes. In everyday Spanish, many people use suegra for a partner's mother once the relationship is serious, married or not.
Is it rude to call her suegra to her face?
Not usually. In many families it's affectionate, and suegrita is even warmer. But it can also sound playful, so ask your partner first. Señora or Doña plus her first name is always a safe start.
What is father-in-law in Spanish?
Suegro. You'd greet him with Mucho gusto, señor, or Don plus his first name.