How to Say “Cousin” in Spanish

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primo
/ˈpɾimo/masculine
The Spanish word for cousin is primo. Wiktionary also lists prima and cousin.
Meaning: child of a person’s parent’s brother or sister (noun)

Ways to say it

“cousin” in Spanish
Spanish IPA Note
primo /ˈpɾimo/ masculine
prima /ˈpɾima/ feminine
cousin /kousin/ (from spelling rules) US, common gender

The term is used to describe the child of a person’s parent’s brother or sister.

Which one should you use?

While English uses the gender-neutral word 'cousin', Spanish requires you to select a gendered form: use primo for a male cousin and prima for a female cousin. When speaking about groups, use the masculine plural primos for a group of male cousins or any mixed-gender group. Use the feminine plural primas only when the group consists entirely of female cousins.

Is it said differently in some regions?

In the western regions of Puerto Rico, the diminutive primito may be used to refer to a younger cousin.

How does it change in a sentence?

Spanish requires gender agreement for this noun. You must choose primo for a male or prima for a female, even when referring to a single person.

How do you pronounce it?

/ˈpɾimo/

Did you know?

  • The phrase primos hermanos specifically denotes first cousins, as the word hermano means 'brother'.
  • In many Latin American countries, calling someone primo is a way to show warmth and closeness to a stranger or an acquaintance.
  • The Spanish word primo is derived from the Latin word for 'first'.

Examples in context

  • No es mi primo.
    He isn't my cousin.
    The sentence is useful for expressing a negative statement about a male cousin using primo.
    Tatoeba #399804 by hayastan, translation #297738 by CK
  • Tom es mi primo.
    Tom is my cousin.
    The sentence is useful for identifying a person named Tom as a male cousin using primo.
    Tatoeba #2343139 by hayastan, translation #2273297 by CK
  • Este es mi primo.
    This is my cousin.
    The sentence is useful for introducing a male cousin using primo.
    Tatoeba #1351441 by marcelostockle, translation #61487 by CK
  • Ese es mi primito, siempre tan travieso.
    That's my little cousin, always so mischievous.
  • 105 more sentences on Tatoeba

Example conversation

Elena is introducing Mateo to her family at a party.

  1. Elena

    Hola, él es mi primo Mateo.
    Hello, he is my cousin Mateo.
  2. Mateo

    Mucho gusto, Elena.
    Nice to meet you, Elena.
  3. Elena

    Mi primo vive en Madrid.
    My cousin lives in Madrid.
  4. Mateo

    Qué bien, me encanta esa ciudad.
    That's great, I love that city.

Sources

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Gabriella Miranda
Gabriella MirandaHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
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