pariente cercano
/paɾjente θeɾkano/from spelling rules
The English phrase "close relation" is translated into Spanish as pariente cercano.
This phrase refers to a member of one's family who is closely related by blood or marriage.
Which one should you use?
The term familiar cercano is an alternative used to express the same idea. In Spain, you may also encounter the phrase familia próxima as a way to refer to close relations.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the phrase familia próxima can be used as an alternative for familia cercana.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the phrase plural, both the noun and the adjective must change to their plural forms, resulting in parientes cercanos.
How do you pronounce it?
/paɾjente θeɾkano/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Be careful not to confuse pariente with the English word "parent". pariente means "relative".
Did you know?
- In some Caribbean dialects, calling someone pariente can be a friendly, informal way to address a stranger, similar to saying 'buddy' or 'relation' in English.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the concept of a pariente cercano extends far beyond the nuclear family to include godparents and very close family friends, who are treated as blood relations.
- The word pariente is a linguistic 'cousin' to the English word 'parent'. Both derive from the Latin parentem, though they have diverged significantly in their specific modern meanings.
Examples in context
- Mi hermana es un familiar cercano.My sister is a close relation.
- Él es mi pariente cercano y heredero legítimo.He is my close relation and rightful heir.
- Mis primos son parte de mi familia cercana.My cousins are part of my close family.
- Él es un pariente cercano de mi padre.He is a close relation of my father.
- No puedo invitar a cada pariente cercano.I cannot invite every close relation.
- Ella busca a un pariente cercano en la ciudad.She is looking for a close relation in the city.
Example conversation
Daniel and María are discussing a family reunion.
- Daniel¿Vendrá algún pariente cercano a la cena?Will any close relation come to the dinner?
- MaríaSí, mi primo es un pariente cercano.Yes, my cousin is a close relation.
- DanielQué bueno que él pueda venir.It is good that he can come.
- MaríaÉl también tiene muchas ganas de verte.He is also looking forward to seeing you.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cercano, pariente, CC BY-SA 4.0.
