hermanito
/eɾmanito/from spelling rules
The Spanish phrase for baby brother is hermanito.
hermanito is used to refer to a male sibling who is younger than the speaker. While it can specifically refer to a baby, it is also used for any brother who is simply younger or smaller in age.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is formed by combining hermano (brother) with the diminutive suffix -ito (little), literally meaning 'little brother'.
Which one should you use?
While hermanito literally translates to 'little brother', it is the standard way to express 'baby brother' in Spanish.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, it is common to hear hermanito used to refer to a baby brother, as well as the phrase hermanito pequeño.
How do you pronounce it?
/eɾmanito/
Did you know?
- While hermanito refers to a biological brother, the term is often used to describe extremely close friends who are seen as brothers.
- In some Latin American cultures, calling someone hermanito is a common way to address a fellow member of a religious community or a spiritual fraternity.
- Spanish uses a wide variety of diminutives beyond -ito, and in some regions you might hear hermanillo instead of hermanito.
Examples in context
- Comí con mi hermanito.I ate with my baby brother.This sentence shows the use of hermanito in a context of eating together.Tatoeba #605647 by Leono, translation #1126776 by CK
- Mi hermanito duerme diez horas al día.My baby brother sleeps ten hours a day.This sentence illustrates a daily habit involving hermanito.Tatoeba #1567338 by nancy, translation #251215 by CK
- Mi hermanito nació hace dos días.My baby brother was born two days ago.
- Tengo un hermano pequeño que se llama Lucas.I have a baby brother named Lucas.
- ¡Mi hermanito es tan tierno!My baby brother is so adorable!
- Cuidar a mi hermanito bebé es una gran responsabilidad.Taking care of my baby brother is a big responsibility.
- Mi hermanito es muy travieso.My baby brother is very mischievous.
Example conversation
Mateo and María are talking about their families at a cafe.
- Mateo¿Tienes hermanos, María?Do you have siblings, María?
- MaríaSí, tengo un hermanito pequeño.Yes, I have a little baby brother.
- Mateo¡Qué tierno es tu hermanito!How cute your baby brother is!
- MaríaGracias, Mateo, es muy divertido.Thanks, Mateo, he is very fun.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
