sogros

Sogros is the Portuguese term for the fathers of one’s spouse, i.e., the male parents-in-law. The plural sogros can refer to more than one father-in-law or to the set of fathers-in-law within a family. The corresponding female term is sogra (mother-in-law). The word is used in both Portugal and Brazilian Portuguese, as well as in other Portuguese-speaking communities.

In social usage, sogros are part of extended family networks and their role varies widely. Some sogros are intimately involved in family life, offering guidance, practical help, or financial support, while others maintain a more distant or formal relationship. Cultural expectations about respect, engagement in weddings and holidays, and involvement in child-rearing shape the dynamics between spouses and their s ogros.

Etiquette and forms of address differ by region and family. Depending on local norms, a sogro might be addressed as senhor [surname], or more informally as “pai” or by the given name in closer relationships. Decisions about living arrangements, caregiving, or participation in family rituals often involve discussions with or input from sogros.

Legal and social context also influences the relationship. There is no universal legal obligation for sogros toward their children's spouses; duties and rights depend on national law and individual agreements. In some cultures, in-laws are expected to play a prominent role in family care networks or inheritance considerations, while in others their involvement is limited.

Etymology and cross-language note: sogro is a core element of Portuguese kinship vocabulary, contrasting with the Spanish term suegro for father-in-law. The gender-specific forms sogro and sogra highlight the gendered nature of kinship terms in the language.