hermano o hermana
/eɾmano o eɾmana/from spelling rules
The English phrase "brother or sister" is expressed in Spanish as hermano o hermana.
This phrase is used to describe a person who shares the same parents as you. While hermano o hermana is a literal way to specify a brother or a sister, the single word hermano is often used as a gender-neutral way to say "sibling" in many contexts.
Which one should you use?
When referring to a mixed-gender group of siblings or a group of brothers, the masculine plural form hermanos is used.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine plural form hermanos is used to refer to a group of siblings regardless of gender, or to a group consisting of both brothers and sisters.
How do you pronounce it?
/eɾmano o eɾmana/
Did you know?
- The word hermano shares a common ancestor with the English word 'germane', which means closely related or fitting. Both come from the Latin word 'germānus' describing someone of the same blood.
- The word hermandad describes a brotherhood or guild and is frequently used for religious or charitable organizations rather than family groups.
- In certain regions, speakers use the shortened slang terms mano or mana instead of the full words hermano or hermana.
Examples in context
- Un sobrino es el hijo de un hermano o hermana.A nephew is a son of one's brother or sister.This sentence is useful for defining the relationship between a nephew and the phrase hermano o hermana.Tatoeba #863237 by charliechin, translation #25708 by CK
Example conversation
Daniel and Elena are talking about their families.
- Daniel¿Tienes un hermano o hermana?Do you have a brother or sister?
- ElenaNo, soy hija única.No, I am an only child.
- DanielEntiendo, yo tengo un hermano.I see, I have a brother.
- Elena¡Qué bien!That's nice!
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hermana, hermano, o, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
