primo hermano
/pɾimo eɾmano/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'cousin brother' is translated into Spanish as primo hermano.
primo hermano is used to specify that a person is a first cousin, meaning they share the same grandparents as the speaker.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'cousin brother'.
Which one should you use?
While primo can mean any cousin, primo hermano is used specifically to clarify that the person is a first cousin rather than a more distant relative.
How does it change in a sentence?
To refer to a female first cousin, use prima hermana. For a group of male first cousins or a mixed-gender group of first cousins, use the plural form primos hermanos.
How do you pronounce it?
/pɾimo eɾmano/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, primo is used as a slang term of endearment or camaraderie between close friends who are not actually related.
- The word hermano replaced the older Spanish word 'fradre', which was a direct descendant of the Latin 'frāter' (the same root as the English 'fraternal').
Example conversation
Alejandro is showing María a photograph of his family.
- AlejandroMira, este es mi primo hermano.Look, this is my first cousin.
- MaríaSe parece mucho a ti, Alejandro.He looks a lot like you, Alejandro.
- AlejandroSí, somos muy cercanos.Yes, we are very close.
- MaríaEs una foto muy bonita.It is a very nice photo.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hermano, primo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
