casarse
Lemma Details
Translation: to get married; to marry; to wed
Part of Speech: verb
Etymology: Casarse is the reflexive form of 'casar', which comes from Latin 'casare', meaning 'to join together' or 'to unite in marriage'. The Latin term derives from 'casa' meaning 'house' or 'dwelling', reflecting the historical concept of marriage as establishing a new household. The English word 'casa' (as in 'mi casa es su casa') shares this Latin root, though English 'marry' comes from a different Latin root ('maritare').
Commonality: 80%
Guessability: 50%
Register: neutral
Mnemonics
- Think of 'casa' (house) + '-se' (oneself) = 'casarse' (to join oneself in a household)
- Remember that 'casarse' always requires a reflexive pronoun (me caso, te casas, etc.) unlike English 'to marry'
- Associate with 'casa' (house) since historically marriage meant establishing a new household
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking countries, marriage often carries strong religious connotations, particularly in Catholic traditions. The phrase 'casarse por la iglesia' (to marry in church) is common. There's also a distinction between 'casarse por lo civil' (civil marriage) and religious ceremonies. Family involvement in weddings is typically extensive, with elaborate celebrations that often include extended family.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Casarse' is reflexive (to get married, oneself), while 'casar' is transitive (to marry someone to someone else, like what a priest or official does).
Notes: In modern Spanish, 'casar' without the reflexive is less common and mostly used to describe the action of the person officiating.
Mnemonic: If there's a 'se', they're getting married themselves; without 'se', someone is marrying them.
Explanation: 'Casarse' means 'to get married' while 'cazar' means 'to hunt'. They sound similar but have completely different meanings.
This word:
Ellos se casaron después de cinco años juntos.
They got married after five years together.
Confused word:
Mi tío fue a cazar venados el fin de semana.
My uncle went deer hunting on the weekend.
Notes: The pronunciation differs in regions that distinguish 's' and 'z' sounds (mainly Spain).
Mnemonic: 'Cazar' has a 'z' like 'zoo' where animals are (that might be hunted); 'casarse' has an 's' like in 'spouse'.