hermano
standard
A brother in Mexican Spanish is a hermano. A younger or beloved brother is a hermanito, and the slang carnal is used for a brother or a very close friend.
Meaning: a male sibling (noun)
Ways to say it
| Mexican | Note |
|---|---|
| hermano | standard |
| carnal | slang |
| hermanito | little brother |
People say mi hermano mayor for older brother and mi hermano menor for younger. Friends call each other hermano to show closeness.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural hermanos can mean "brothers" or "siblings", including sisters. The feminine is hermana.
When do people say it?
In Mexico, close family bonds are very important, and relatives often say mi hermano del alma for a friend who is like a brother.
Did you know?
- In Spanish the masculine plural hermanos covers a group of mixed siblings, so a brother and a sister together are hermanos.
Examples in context
- Mi hermano vive en Guadalajara.My brother lives in Guadalajara.
- Tengo dos hermanos.I have two siblings.
- Mi hermanito cumple cinco años.My little brother turns five.
Example conversation
Cousins Iris and Julián talk about their families.
- Iris¿Tienes hermanos?Do you have brothers or sisters?
- JuliánSí, un hermano mayor.Yes, an older brother.
- IrisYo tengo un hermanito.I have a little brother.
