tíos
/tios/from spelling rules
In Spanish, the phrase for "aunt and uncle together" is tíos.
tíos is a collective term used to refer to both an aunt and an uncle at the same time. While you can say tía y tío to mean "aunt and uncle", the word tíos serves as a concise way to group them. Additionally, los tíos specifically means "the uncles."
Which one should you use?
The masculine plural form tíos is used to cover both genders (aunts and uncles) or to refer to a mixed-gender group. In contrast, the feminine plural tías is used exclusively when you are referring to a group consisting only of female aunts.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In many Spanish-speaking regions, particularly in Spain, tíos is used informally as a colloquial way to say "guys" or "dudes" when addressing a group of people.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, tíos is frequently used colloquially to mean "guys" or "dudes".
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine plural form tíos functions as a collective noun. It is used to refer to a group that contains both males and females, such as a group of aunts and uncles.
How do you pronounce it?
/tios/
Did you know?
- In some Latin American countries, calling someone tío is a sign of respect for an older man, even if there is no biological blood relation.
- Depending on the region, the word tío can be used to describe a man who is perceived as eccentric, odd or very old.
- In Spain, the singular tío or tía is often used to call a friend, regardless of whether they are actually your relative. It functions similarly to 'dude' or 'mate' in English.
Examples in context
- Mi tía y mi tío vendrán a visitarnos este fin de semana.My aunt and uncle will come to visit us this weekend.
- Permítame presentarles a mi tía, la señora García, y a mi tío, el señor Rodríguez.Allow me to introduce you to my aunt, Mrs. García, and my uncle, Mr. Rodríguez.
- Los tíos de mi esposa son muy amables.My wife's aunts and uncles are very kind.
- Mis tíos viven en Madrid.My aunt and uncle live in Madrid.
- ¿Cómo están tus tíos?How are your aunt and uncle?
- Los tíos de Elena son muy simpáticos.Elena's aunt and uncle are very nice.
Example conversation
Daniel and Elena are talking about their weekend plans.
- DanielEste sábado visito a mis tíos.This Saturday I am visiting my aunt and uncle.
- Elena¿Viven cerca de aquí?Do they live near here?
- DanielNo, ellos viven en otra ciudad.No, they live in another city.
- ElenaQue te diviertas con tus tíos, Daniel.Have fun with your aunt and uncle, Daniel.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
