Esposas

ninial

March 22, 2011 03:23 AM

Esposas

Does 'esposas' really mean handcuffs as well as wifes? If so, how can you tell the difference?

conejodescarado

March 22, 2011 03:50 AM

Haha, that's quite funny :p

It appears so. You'd have to determine the actual meaning based on the context in which the word was used. You're not likely to ask your handcuffs something, for example.

Also, in Spanish you'll place the "personal 'a'" before people, such as "esposas":

He encontrado las esposas (I've found the handcuffs)
He encontrado a las esposas (I've found the wives)

Really though, the context should be enough. There's a big difference between handcuffs and wives :)

Perikles

March 22, 2011 04:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by conejodescarado (Post 107882)

. There's a big difference between handcuffs and wives

Really? :thinking:

Edit: I've searched for an etymology of esposas, and come up with

Quote:

El nombre de esposa que se da a las manillas con que se aprisionan las muñecas de alguien es una metáfora que data de la Edad Media, por la cual se vinculan las ideas de matrimonio y de falta de libertad.

aleCcowaN

March 22, 2011 05:25 AM

Otherwise, what would the wedding rings stand for?

EDIT: Centuries ago they though there was a vessel in the "ring" finger which went straight to the heart, so the hearts got shackled together.

sosia

March 22, 2011 11:15 AM

Usually you can't mistake them, because one is singular (wife:esposa) and the other plural (handcuffs:esposas). Only certain public can speak about multiple wifes.... :D

saludos :D

Sancho Panther

March 22, 2011 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sosia (Post 107892)

Only certain ~~public~~ can speak about multiple wifes....

Only certain people can speak about multiple wives, Sosia - and they'll end up in prison sooner or later! Unless of course they're oft remarried serial divorcees, or frequent widowers....

pjt33

March 22, 2011 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sancho Panther (Post 107902)

Only certain people can speak about multiple wives, Sosia - and they'll end up in prison sooner or later! Unless of course they're oft remarried serial divorcees, or frequent widowers....

Or live in certain countries.

Pero me acuerda de una de las primeras chistes españolas que aprendí. Un monje conduce con mucha velocidad, y la poli le para. "Ay, señor, reconozco que no debí hacerlo, pero, por el amor de Dios, no me ponga esposas, tengo que cumplir con mis votos..."

CrOtALiTo

March 22, 2011 06:26 PM

I have understood that handcuff means Esposas for other kind to esposas, they are for the thieves.

Sincerely yours.

irmamar

March 23, 2011 01:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Perikles (Post 107885)

Really? :thinking:

Edit: I've searched for an etymology of esposas, and come up with

Talking about the Middle Ages, then they should be know as "esposos". :p :D

Elaina

March 24, 2011 10:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by irmamar (Post 107926)

Talking about the Middle Ages, then they should be know as "esposos". :p :D

:lol::lol::lol:
Agreed!

sosia

March 27, 2011 07:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sancho Panther (Post 107902)

Only certain people can speak about multiple wives, Sosia - and they'll end up in prison sooner or later! Unless of course they're oft remarried serial divorcees, or frequent widowers....

Thanks for the corrections.
As pjt33 says, some arab, mormon and african people can still be confused ...
http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poligamia

saludos :D

All times are GMT -6. The time now is 05:32 PM.