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
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| primo | /ˈpɾimo/ | masculine |
| prima | /ˈpɾima/ | feminine |
| cousin | /kousin/ (from spelling rules) | US, common gender |
The term refers to 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 specify gender. Use primo when referring to a male cousin and prima when referring to a female cousin.
How does it change in a sentence?
When speaking about multiple cousins, the form changes based on the group's gender. Use primos for a group of male cousins or a mixed group of both males and females. If the group consists entirely of female cousins, use primas.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈpɾimo/
Did you know?
- In some Latin American countries, people use the term primo or prima as a friendly, informal way to address a stranger, similar to how an English speaker might use 'mate' or 'dude'.
- The word primo is an etymological relative of the English word 'prime', as both descend from the Latin root for 'first'.
- Spanish speakers use primo and prima to denote 'first cousins' by default, whereas in English, one might feel the need to specify 'first cousin' to avoid ambiguity.
Examples in context
- No es mi primo.He isn't my cousin.This sentence shows how to use primo in a negative statement.Tatoeba #399804 by hayastan, translation #297738 by CK
- Tom es mi primo.Tom is my cousin.This sentence shows how to use primo to identify someone.Tatoeba #2343139 by hayastan, translation #2273297 by CK
- Este es mi primo.This is my cousin.This sentence shows how to use primo to introduce someone.Tatoeba #1351441 by marcelostockle, translation #61487 by CK
- ¿Vas a la fiesta de mi prima Marta?Are you going to my cousin Marta's party?
- 105 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier introduces a relative to Lucía at a party.
- JavierLucía, te presento a mi primo.Lucía, I'd like you to meet my cousin.
- LucíaHola, mucho gusto en conocerte.Hello, it's very nice to meet you.
- JavierÉl es el primo favorito de mi madre.He is my mother's favorite cousin.
- LucíaQué amable es tu primo.Your cousin is very kind.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cousin” translations and entries primo, prima, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries prima, primo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
