hermano y hermana
/eɾmano i eɾmana/from spelling rules
The English phrase "brother and sister" is translated into Spanish as hermano y hermana.
This phrase is used to describe two siblings, specifically one male and one female, who share the same parents.
Which one should you use?
While hermano y hermana is the standard way to express this, you can also say hermana y hermano to mean "sister and brother" without changing the underlying meaning.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some areas of Latin America, the informal terms manito or manita are used to mean "little brother" or "little sister."
How does it change in a sentence?
To refer to a group of siblings of any gender, including a mixed group of brothers and sisters, the masculine plural form hermanos is used. Additionally, the order of the words in hermano y hermana can be swapped without changing the meaning.
How do you pronounce it?
/eɾmano i eɾmana/
Did you know?
- The English word 'germane', meaning relevant or appropriate, actually shares the same root as hermano through the Latin word 'germānus'.
- The Latin root of hermano, 'germānus', literally means 'of the same seed' or 'of the same parents'.
- In some religious contexts, such as among monks or nuns, hermano and hermana are used as formal titles of address regardless of biological relation.
Examples in context
- Somos hermano y hermana.We are brother and sister.Tatoeba #956709 by hundo, translation #248611 by CK
- No eran hermano y hermana, pero se amaron tanto como si lo fueran.They were not brother and sister, but they loved each other as much as if they had been.Tatoeba #12043135 by DJ_Saidez, translation #3752957 by Hybrid
- Ellos son hermano y hermana.They are brother and sister.
Example conversation
Daniel and Sofia are introducing themselves to a new friend.
- DanielHola, soy Daniel.Hi, I am Daniel.
- SofíaY yo soy Sofía.And I am Sofia.
- DanielNosotros somos hermano y hermana.We are brother and sister.
- SofíaSí, crecimos juntos en Madrid.Yes, we grew up together in Madrid.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hermana, hermano, y, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
