coppia sposata
Lemma: coppia sposata
Translation: married couple; wedded couple (noun phrase)
Etymology: From 'coppia' (couple, pair) + 'sposata' (married). 'Coppia' derives from Latin 'copula' meaning 'bond, tie, connection' (which also gave English 'couple' and 'copulate'). 'Sposata' comes from the verb 'sposare' (to marry), which derives from Latin 'sponsare' (to betroth), related to 'sponsus/sponsa' (bridegroom/bride) and ultimately from 'spondere' (to pledge). The English word 'spouse' shares this Latin origin.
Example Usage
Quella coppia sposata vive nel palazzo accanto al nostro.
That married couple lives in the building next to ours.
Come coppia sposata, hanno diritto a determinati benefici fiscali.
As a married couple, they are entitled to certain tax benefits.
Sono una coppia sposata da venticinque anni.
They have been a married couple for twenty-five years.
Mnemonics
- 'Coppia' sounds like 'couple' and 'sposata' contains 'sposa' (bride), so 'coppia sposata' is literally a 'couple that has been bride-d' or married.
- Think of 'spouse' in English, which shares the same Latin root as 'sposata'.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In Italian culture, marriage traditionally holds significant importance, though attitudes have evolved in recent decades with more couples choosing to cohabitate without formal marriage. The term 'coppia sposata' is used in both legal and everyday contexts to refer to couples who have formalized their relationship through civil or religious marriage.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Coppia sposata' refers specifically to a legally married couple, while 'coppia di fatto' refers to an unmarried couple living together (domestic partnership or common-law relationship).
Confused word:
Vivono insieme come coppia di fatto da dieci anni.
They have been living together as an unmarried couple for ten years.
Notes: In Italy, legal recognition and rights for 'coppie di fatto' have increased in recent years, but there remain distinctions in legal status compared to 'coppie sposate'.
Mnemonic: 'Di fatto' means 'in fact' or 'de facto', indicating a relationship that exists in practice but not in legal terms.
Explanation: 'Coppia sposata' refers to a married couple, while 'fidanzati' refers to an engaged couple or boyfriend/girlfriend.
Confused word:
Sono fidanzati e si sposeranno l'anno prossimo.
They are engaged and will get married next year.
Notes: The progression typically goes: fidanzati (engaged) → coppia sposata (married couple).
Mnemonic: 'Fidanzati' contains 'fidan' which sounds like 'fidelity' - they've promised fidelity but haven't yet married.