casar
Lemma Details
Translation: to marry; to wed; to match; to pair
Part of Speech: verb
Etymology: From Latin 'casare', related to 'casa' meaning 'house', reflecting the historical concept of marriage as establishing a household. The English word 'casa' (meaning a small house in Spanish style) shares this Latin root. The connection between marriage and establishing a home is embedded in this etymology.
Commonality: 80%
Guessability: 40%
Register: neutral
Mnemonics
- Think of 'casa' (house) + '-ar' (verb ending) = 'casar' (to marry), as marriage traditionally meant establishing a new household.
- Associate with English 'casa' (Spanish-style house) to remember it relates to forming a household through marriage.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Cultural Context
Marriage in Spanish-speaking countries traditionally has strong religious connotations, particularly Catholic. The verb 'casar' is often used reflexively as 'casarse con' (to get married to someone). In many Latin American countries, both civil and religious ceremonies are common, with the civil ceremony being legally required.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Casar' (with one 's') means 'to marry', while 'cazar' (with a 'z') means 'to hunt'.
Confused word:
Mi tío va a cazar ciervos este fin de semana.
My uncle is going hunting for deer this weekend.
Notes: The pronunciation is different in regions that distinguish 's' and 'z' sounds (mainly Spain), but identical in most Latin American countries.
Mnemonic: Remember: 's' in 'casar' for 'spouse', 'z' in 'cazar' for 'zoo animals' (hunting).
Explanation: 'Casar' means 'to marry', while 'cansar' means 'to tire' or 'to fatigue'.
Confused word:
El ejercicio intenso puede cansar los músculos.
Intense exercise can tire the muscles.
Notes: Both are regular -ar verbs but have completely different meanings.
Mnemonic: Notice the extra 'n' in 'cansar' - think 'n' for 'no energy' (tired).