Sposi

Sposi is the plural form of sposo in Italian and refers to the grooms or, more commonly, to the married couple in the context of a wedding. The phrase gli sposi is used to designate the bride and groom as a unit, appearing in wedding invitations, programs, and journalism covering ceremonies. In everyday language, sposo can also mean husband, while sposa means wife.

Etymology and forms: The word derives from Latin sponsus, meaning betrothed or pledged, linked to the linguistic family around marriage and wedlock. The related verb sposare means to marry. Grammatical gender is masculine for sposo and sposa; the plural sposi covers both partners when referred to collectively.

Usage and context: In informal and semi-formal contexts, sposi is widely used to describe a couple at or after their wedding. In official or legal language, terms such as coniugi (spouses) or marito e moglie are common. The expression novelli sposi is used to denote newlyweds and is frequently found in announcements, cards, and media features.

Cultural and social note: In Italian culture, the couple is often central in wedding symbolism and storytelling, with the term sposi appearing in decorations, speeches, and literature. While strictly technical terms exist for legal status, sposi remains a vivid, widely understood term that emphasizes the union of two people at the moment of marriage.

See also: sposo, sposa, coniugi.