primo
/ˈpɾimo/
The Spanish word for boy cousin is primo.
The term primo is used to identify a male relative who is the child of one's aunt or uncle.
Which one should you use?
While primo refers to a male cousin, prima is used specifically for a female cousin. Additionally, the diminutive primito is an informal and affectionate way to refer to a male cousin or a younger cousin.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form primos is used to refer to a group of male cousins or a mixed-gender group of cousins. If the group consists only of female cousins, you must use the form primas.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈpɾimo/
Did you know?
- The word primo is also used in Spanish mathematics to describe a 'prime number', or número primo.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, the word primo is used as a slang term for 'friend' or 'buddy', much like the English 'cousin' is used in some dialects.
- While the English word 'cousin' is neutral, the Spanish primo is inherited from the Latin word for 'first', reflecting the closest tier of extended family.
Examples in context
- Mi primo hermano Juan está estudiando medicina.My first cousin Juan is studying medicine.
- Mi primo viene a pasar el fin de semana en mi casa.My cousin is coming to spend the weekend at my house.
- ¡Hola, primito! ¿Qué tal estás?Hello, little cousin! How are you?
- Él es mi primo.He is my cousin.
- Mi primo vive en Madrid.My cousin lives in Madrid.
- Tengo un primo muy divertido.I have a very funny cousin.
Example conversation
Daniel and María are talking about their family at a cafe.
- Daniel¿Tienes hermanos?Do you have brothers?
- MaríaNo, pero tengo un primo.No, but I have a cousin.
- Daniel¿Cómo se llama tu primo?What is your cousin's name?
- MaríaSe llama Carlos.His name is Carlos.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry primo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries primo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
