Which one should you use?
While hermano refers to a brother, it can also be used in a religious context to mean a brother in faith. If you are referring to a sister, the word changes to hermana.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Among younger Spanish speakers, the English loanword Bro is commonly used in informal situations. Additionally, Hermanito is an informal way to refer to a younger brother or a close friend.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, you may use the word carnal to mean brother.
How does it change in a sentence?
To change the noun from a brother to a sister, change the final o to an a to get hermana. When referring to a group of brothers or a mixed-gender group of siblings, use the masculine plural form hermanos.
How do you pronounce it?
/eɾˈmano/
When do people say it?
In many Spanish-speaking regions, young people often use English loanwords like bro colloquially instead of using hermano.
Did you know?
- The English word 'germane' comes from the same Latin root as hermano. Originally 'germane' meant 'closely related' or 'coming from the same parent'.
- In Mexico, the word carnal comes from carne, meaning 'flesh'. It implies a bond of blood that is even deeper than a typical friendship.
- While hermano is a sibling, the word hermandad refers to a brotherhood or a guild, often associated with historical religious societies.
Examples in context
- Él es mi hermano.He is my brother.This sentence is useful for identifying a brother.Tatoeba #493576 by Shishir, translation #250680 by CK
- No es mi hermano.He's not my brother.This sentence is useful for denying a relationship.Tatoeba #9285961 by Javea, translation #9806534 by DJ_Saidez
- Trae a tu hermano.Bring your brother.This sentence is useful for requesting someone to bring their brother.Tatoeba #977654 by Shishir, translation #9770441 by DJ_Saidez
- Mi hermano se llama JuanMy brother's name is Juan
- Hola, hermanoHi, brother
- Voy a ver a mi hermano al aeropuerto.I am going to the airport to see my brother.
- ¡Hola, hermano! ¿Cómo estás?Hi, brother! How are you?
- ¡No puedo creer que hayas ganado el concurso! Eres el mejor, hermanito.I can't believe you won the contest! You're the best, little brother.
- 848 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía is asking Alejandro about his family.
- SofíaTengo un hermano mayor.I have an older brother.
- AlejandroYo también tengo un hermano.I have a brother too.
- Sofía¿Cómo se llama tu hermano?What is your brother's name?
- AlejandroMi hermano se llama Luis.My brother's name is Luis.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “brother” translations and entries hermano, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hermano, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
