hermandad
/eɾmanˈdad/
The Spanish word for brotherhood is hermandad.
Hermandad refers to the state of being brothers, the abstract concept of brotherhood or fraternity or a formal organization or fraternity.
Meaning: state of being brothers or a brother (noun)
Which one should you use?
While hermandad is the standard term, fraternidad is also used to translate brotherhood and carries a more formal connotation.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of hermandad is hermandades.
How do you pronounce it?
/eɾmanˈdad/
When do people say it?
In many Spanish-speaking cultures, hermandad specifically refers to religious brotherhoods that organize processions during Holy Week.
Did you know?
- The word hermandad is a close relative of the English word 'germ'. Both come from the Latin germen, meaning 'sprout' or 'offshoot', reflecting the idea of siblings as sprouts from the same root.
- In some historical contexts, hermandades were not just religious groups but medieval rural leagues that formed their own militias to protect towns from bandits.
- Members of a religious hermandad often wear a capirote, a tall conical hat, which historically served as a sign of public penance and humility.
Examples in context
- "Libertad, igualdad, hermandad" es también el lema de Haití."Freedom, Equality, Brotherhood" is also Haiti's motto.This sentence shows how hermandad is used in a national motto.Tatoeba #5905979 by albrusgher, translation #2595666 by WestofEden
- Todos los seres humanos nacen libres e iguales en dignidad y derechos. Ellos son dotados de razón y consciencia, y deben actuar el uno con el otro en espíritu de hermandad.All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.This sentence shows how to use hermandad when describing the spirit in which people should act toward one another.Tatoeba #1165456 by marcelostockle, translation #338182 by sysko
- La fraternidad entre los miembros de la organización es fundamental para nuestro éxito.The brotherhood among the organization's members is crucial for our success.
- La hermandad entre los atletas olímpicos es evidente durante los entrenamientos.The brotherhood among Olympic athletes is evident during training.
- Los soldados demostraron una verdadera hermandad durante la misión.The soldiers showed true brotherhood during the mission.
- La camaradería entre los compañeros de trabajo mejora el ambiente laboral.The camaraderie among coworkers enhances the work environment.
- La confraternidad entre los feligreses es una parte fundamental de nuestra comunidad religiosa.The brotherhood among the parishioners is a fundamental part of our religious community.
- La fraternidad entre los músicos es palpable durante sus actuaciones.The brotherhood among musicians is palpable during their performances.
- Siento una gran hermandad con mi equipo.I feel a great sense of brotherhood with my team.
Example conversation
Elena and Daniel are talking about their club.
- ElenaMe gusta la hermandad que hay en este grupo.I like the brotherhood that exists in this group.
- DanielTienes razón, todos nos apoyamos mucho.You are right, we all support each other a lot.
- ElenaEs difícil encontrar una hermandad así hoy en día.It is hard to find a brotherhood like this nowadays.
- DanielEs verdad, es algo muy especial.That is true, it is something very special.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry hermandad, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hermandad, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
